This event is being held at the Headland Hotel in Newquay in celebration of employment and skills in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It is being held also to coincide with Europe Day.
The event is being hosted by Carleen Keleman, director of the Convergence Partnership Office.
Awards will be given in the categories of: welfare to work, innovation, skills, employment.
Among the inspirational speakers: Chris Hines (A Grain of Sand) & Dave Meneer (Fifteen Cornwall)
This is an event summary podcast:
PRESS RELEASE: May 9th 2011
Cornwall Works WISE awards 2011
This year’s Cornwall Works WISE Awards winners include a world famous fish restaurant; the Cornwall Fire and Rescue Team; a pharmaceutical regulatory company; a waste management company and a man who designed and built a robot that he now uses to carry out specialist mine surveys around the world. All have been commended by Employment Minister Chris Grayling.
The Cornwall Works* WISE Awards are an annual celebration recognising excellence in employment and skills activity and highlighting the important role that the European Social Fund (at present through the ESF Convergence Programme) is playing in employment, skills and training and innovation across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This year the awards were held on Europe Day, which is aimed at highlighting and celebrating European investment across the EC.
Chris Grayling said, “I’d like to commend the commitment and example of all the award winners – those who have turned their lives around and got back into employment, those who are developing their skills to increase their employability and those who have helped bring these positive changes to fruition – all thanks to the successful use of the European Social Fund.
“Helping people back to work is our top priority, the ESF alongside our new Work Programme will continue to support the most disadvantaged and unskilled people back to work.”
The fourth Cornwall Works WISE awards ceremony – jointly organised by Jobcentre Plus, the Skills Funding Agency and the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – took place today (Monday May 9th) at the Headland Hotel, Newquay. Hosted by Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office, keynote event speakers were Wendy Violentano Head of national European Social Fund Division; Richard Bayly, Government Office South West; Chris Hines, founder of worldwide campaign group Surfers Against Sewage and managing director of A Grain of Sand, and Dave Meneer, chief executive of the highly successful social enterprise Fifteen Cornwall.
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Convergence Partnership Office, said, “Many congratulations to all this years Cornwall Works WISE award winners. Each and every one has a personal story that has made a real difference to their own lives or to the lives of others.
“And to us they all provide examples of what can be achieved – often quietly and without a fuss – all of you show that change does matter and is happening here and now and that change is for the good. The strength of our economic regeneration is based on tapping into the talents of all of our people. And we are all inspired by the achievements of others.
“ESF Convergence, investing in jobs and skills across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is continuing to play a key role in increasing the opportunities available for getting into work and progressing once in work and the life chances that this brings for the individual and their families.”
Councillor Carolyn Rule, Cornwall Council cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said, “Throughout the lifetime of Convergence the success of the investments and the people involved have and will continue to be recognised, as will their contribution to the business success and economic regeneration of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The Cornwall Works WISE Awards is an important part of this – giving us the opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations that have made a real difference in the fields of employment and skills.”
COPY ENDS.
* Cornwall Works is the over-arching strategy and co-ordinating brand for employment and skills activity in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
EDITORS’ NOTES:
Convergence:
For further information see: www.convergencecornwall.com
Convergence helpline telephone: 0800 0280120.
Cornwall Works WISE Awards 2011 winners:
Welfare to Work
Individual Award Winner:
Jeff Davies.
Probus.
This year’s award goes to a 40 year old Cornishman who struggled in mainstream school. Although eventually diagnosed with a learning disability, his experiences had already affected his confidence and self esteem. On leaving school Jeff did various jobs including working for seven years in a meat processing factory. At this time he settled down got married and started a family.
Unfortunately things did not last – the safe employment haven shut down and over the next few years Jeff was employed off and on mostly finding building work through word of mouth.
In 2000 having injured his back Jeff was no longer able to labour intensive jobs and the next eight years were the toughest he had faced – resulting in his marriage breakdown and in Jeff becoming homeless.
However – with a referral from his GP to a clinical psychologist, support from Stonham Housing Association and support through A4e Jeff was referred to Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities where specialist support from United Response – part of Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities – has helped Jeff realise his ambitions.
Jeff is now employed for 16 hours a week, off benefits, has financial independence, security and self confidence and looking forward to playing a key role in his children’s futures.
Helen Cahalane, business development manager at United Response, said, “We are delighted that Jeff has won this award, it is a tremendous personal achievement for him having had many personal challenges and barriers in life.
“His story is unique but he is one of many participants that Cornwall Works for Learning Disabilities provides support for and for whom the programme makes a tremendous difference in their lives.”
Welfare to Work
Organisation / Project Award Winner:
Cornwall Fire and Rescue Team.
Truro.
The Cornwall Fire and Rescue Team has worked with some of Jobcentre Plus most disadvantaged customers – including 18 to 24 year olds and the over 50s. They have delivered a range of courses including both one day and six week courses, using the Cornwall Works Passport to Work to record the achievements of each participant and all have received an ASDAN qualification.
The encouragement, support and challenge provided by the Fire and Rescue Service for the people involved – through team work, 1-2-1 support and group activity – have resulted in demonstrable improvements in confidence, motivation and a sense of achievement and raised aspirations. For many this is first in their lives.
The Fire and Rescue Team have worked positively to engage with Jobcentre advisors and potential employers on behalf of their participants with several going into employment. It is this infectious pro-active approach of the Team that is so impressive – for participants, Jobcentre Plus advisors and employers alike.
Local employer Wilkinson’s has been so impressed that it now wants to work with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Team to find more suitable employees.
Timmy Cocks, Phoenix Project spokesman, said, “We have been running the Phoenix project for nine years and it is now, through awards such as this, that it is being more widely recognised that what we do is a success. It is about teamwork, communities and helping each other.”
Innovation
Individual Award Winner:
James Jobling-Purser.
Penryn.
James’ success is a powerful story about how investment in university education and facilities can lead to invention, innovation and business success. James has a degree and a PhD from Exeter University’s Camborne School of Mines – a partner in Combined Universities in Cornwall. And it was during his time as an undergraduate that he was challenged by one of his lecturers to make good his off-the-cuff comments that there must be machines that could do mine survey work.
The result – after an undergraduate project and post graduate developments with design advice and refinements from University College Falmouth, another CUC partner co-located at Tremough alongside the University of Exeter – is a robot. This robot uses state-of the-art laser scanning technology and wireless communications designed for remote use in underground mining operations that both improves the efficiency of mining surveys and reduces the risk to the surveyor. The results are comprehensive 3D maps of the mines in a fraction of the time required for conventional surveying.
Not only did this more than meet the challenge James received as a student but is now the hub of successful business operations that have seen James’ robot survey mines in Mexico and the world’s deepest gold mine in South Africa.
James said, “I am absolutely thrilled to have won the award for Innovation. The past six years have been very exciting and rewarding, not only from an academic perspective but from working with all the Cornish companies who have contributed to the construction of the RSV. This really opened my eyes to the novel and innovative business and micro industries located in Cornwall.
“2009 saw an expansion of the business when I was joined by a fellow CSM student to set up a new company, 3D Mine Surveying International ltd. We set up 3D MSI ltd to carry out contract mine surveying around the world. This year we also partnered up with the University of Exeter Camborne School of Mines to apply for a European Social Fund PhD, where 3D MSI Ltd is the industrial partner. I am glad to say that we got the PhD so both Lucas and I will be able to mentor a student and give them the same opportunity that we have both had. It makes a nice change to wear the shoe on the other foot.”
Innovation
Project / group / organisation Award Winner:
TRAC Services Ltd.
Pool Innovation Centre.
Company directors Sarah and Jonathan Trethowan established TRAC, a Regulatory Affairs Consultancy, in 2001 with a clear aim to develop skills and real career opportunities for graduates in Cornwall.
In 2005 they identified the opportunity to grow their business but recognised the shortage of professionals within the industry, exacerbated by the location of the business.
TRAC developed an innovative model to develop their business. Working with Unlocking Cornish Potential TRAC recruited local life science graduates and developed an in-house training programme to provide them with the knowledge and skills to become recognised regulatory affairs professionals. This was a two year programme that included taking on projects and appropriate industry training, with UCP providing mentoring and support.
The results speak for themselves – the business has:
· developed a strong lifelong learning culture within the business and in 2009 was awarded Investors in People silver status, putting it in the top 1% of all IiP recognised companies in the UK;
· and as a result has low absenteeism and staff turnover which is fairly unique in the industry;
· grown by 360% between 2005 and 2010 and has clients all over the world.
Sarah Trethowan, TRAC Services Company Director, said, “TRAC is delighted to win the Innovation Group Award and to be recognised in this way. We have worked very closely with Unlocking Cornish Potential over the past six years and recruited 11 graduates to date. Jonathan’s in-house training programme has provided real career opportunities for local graduates that we had to leave the county to achieve and in return has facilitated significant growth for TRAC”
Skills
Project / Group / Organisation Award Winner:
Newquay for Excellence Training ltd (NfET).
Newquay.
Established in 1996 NfET has championed a demand led approach to training involving individuals and employers in shaping skills provision that is fit for business.
Initially this was for the tourism and hospitality industry – recognising that this was not only an important sector in the local economy and supported a wide range of jobs and career opportunities, but that there were also skills shortages and a need to improve progression routes for local people.
NfET has been responsible for a number of creative and innovative initiatives, many driven by the desire to enhance the quality of our tourism product and the reputation of our tourism employment base.
These have included ERDF and ESF supported programmes such as Stepping into Tourism – retention and training of staff in the shoulder months / HONEY and honey2cornwall – business support and capital grant programme / Welcome to Cornwall – a customer service and destination information programme.
Always looking to expand their operations NfET is playing a key role in the development of Newquay Cornwall Airport as an economic hub – co-ordinating work-based skills provision covering terminal and airside services and the exciting pilot for Advanced Apprenticeships for Aviation Engineering.
Ruth Vincent and Gill Moore Directors of Newquay for Excellence Training, said, “NfET is delighted to have been awarded one of the Cornwall Works WISE Award. We pride ourselves on our knowledge of the tourism and hospitality sector. This has enabled us to create innovative and bespoke opportunities by championing a demand led approach which has been key to building a long term rapport with businesses, employees and creating lasting partnerships in Cornwall.
“Winning the award gives us great pleasure showing that we are undertaking work that is being appreciated and recognised across the sectors.”
Skills
Individual Award Winner:
Mark Williams (head of Provider Accounts for the Skills Funding Agency).
St Agnes.
There is no greater champion of skills and workforce development across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly than Mark Williams. In his current role as Head of Provider Accounts for the Skills Funding Agency and previous roles for the Learning and Skills Council Mark has been instrumental in paving the way for many ground-breaking skills and enterprise programmes such as Empowering Smart Women, the Progressive Isles, Union Learn and the Newquay Airport Skills Academy.
Through his role in the European Social Fund Objective One and Convergence Programmes Mark has secured investment in the development of local sector networks and in capacity building activity for the voluntary and community sector to help them engage with and deliver on the skills agenda. He has consistently highlighted and evidenced the specific skills requirements of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, challenging internally and externally for responsive delivery that meets the needs of business and of individual learners.
Mark has worked in partnership with the Combined Universities in Cornwall to develop an integrated higher level skills offer and with Jobcentre Plus to create joined up employment and skills delivery through Cornwall Works. His knowledge, passion and commitment to the skills agenda is recognised by all who work with him.
Mr Williams said, “I love doing what I do and I do what I do because of Cornwall – it is our home and we want to make it the best place to live and work.
“The beauty of ESF Convergence is that we have been given opportunities to do what we need to do. It has given us opportunities to try things out, be innovative, take a few risks and really make a difference by securing successes for individuals and groups.”
Employers
Welfare to Work Award Winner:
The Seafood Restaurant.
Padstow.
Rick and Jill Stein’s businesses have helped put Padstow on the national map, growing from a family business in 1975 into a thriving organisation that employs 350 people and is one of Cornwall’s largest private sector employers.
The full range of businesses includes six restaurants, a pub, four retail shops, a cookery school, 40 guest bedrooms and an online shop.
The Seafood Restaurant is an active member of the Cornwall Employment and Skills Board and is very keen to provide opportunities for young people.
Excellent relationships with Jobcentre Plus have been developed and initiatives have included:
· Providing work experience across a range of job roles in a business environment for young people on the Future Jobs Fund;
· A careers event for people looking for opportunities in the hospitality industry;
· A number of work experience programmes where the participants, who were from a range of challenging backgrounds, were given the opportunity and personal development support to demonstrate their capabilities and employment potential.
The Seafood Restaurant is now in discussions with Jobcentre Plus looking at ways in which work placement programmes can be supported to support employment opportunities in the long-term
Michael Rabone, Human Resources Manager at The Seafood Restaurant, comments, “We’re thrilled to have won the Welfare to Work Award. At The Seafood Restaurant we’re pleased to have supported so many young and talented individuals to return to work, helping to build their knowledge and confidence. It’s really satisfying to be able to provide work placement opportunities for young people and we’re always delighted when we’re able to offer them a permanent role within the company at the end of it.”
Employers
Skills Award Winner:
Winns Waste Services.
Penryn.
Winns Waste Services is a leading waste management and recycling company.
The company considers its staff to be its greatest asset and demonstrates that view through an ongoing commitment to invest in training and development for all staff. The company view is that this investment of time and resources in their staff, particularly at a time of recession when job security was being voiced by them as a major concern shoed confidence in itself, its staff and its future and provided the motivation that was locking in other organisations.
Their commitment included an ambitious training programme to take the company forward keeping it abreast of environmental legislation and industry requirements.
With support from the Environmental Skills Network and ESF Convergence 18 learners achieved 32 NVQs including high level industry specific qualifications. This included City and Guilds, Chartered Institute of Environmental Health and Waste Management Industry and Advisory Board.
Key to the future is the fact that three members of staff are also trained as professional trainers so that in-house programmes are on-going and increasing knowledge and skills is normal practice in the company.
Mark Pascoe, Winns General Manager, said, “I believe strongly in supporting our staff and in training and hopefully we can keep the ball rolling. Without staff you would not have a business and it is important to invest in them.”
Outstanding Achievement Award Winner:
Richard Bayly (Government Office South West).
Plymouth.
“He did not overturn reality to discover truth, where there was nothing. He contented himself with looking. He did not see, as many do, what we seem to be, but what we are. Then, with a sureness of hand and a boldness at once sensitive and firm, he revealed us to ourselves.”
These words were written about a famous artist in the nineteenth century but are a fitting testimony to a man who has selflessly worked without fame or celebrity, to better the lives of thousands. Richard Bayly has championed and fostered many of new economic legacies over the last twelve years. Whether it be the iconic giants like the Eden Project, the Combined Universities of Cornwall, Fifteen Cornwall, or the myriad of people focussed activities helping those from all backgrounds move into education, training or jobs – Richard has been the guiding light, broker, fixer and government champion in bringing these to fruition. And with such a light touch that lifts a community, this community of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, to be more than it would be.
Above all, he has championed the individual, believing in unlocking the potential of the person, removing their barriers to engagement and opening gateways to opportunity.
In the spirit of ‘Outstanding Achievement’ there is no one worthier who has helped so many achieve so much in their lives.
Mr Bayly said, “Leadership in Cornwall is something that bubbles up from communities not something that is imposed from outside. In Cornwall there are people who have achieved leadership by standing back, not by telling people what to do. This and the European investment add up to a place that is very different to what it was 15 or 20 years ago.”
Blair Thomson Award (inaugural).
Mark Yeoman (Deputy Director Convergence Partnership Office),
Truro.
The first recipient of the Blair Thomson Award has been a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise in helping others achieve their aspirations and ambitions. For more than 10 years this individual has worked tirelessly in injecting intelligence And understanding to keep Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on track for a better quality of life and economic improvement.
The guardian of the mission, the guru of regulations, the creator of the possible and facilitator of the do able, his keen mind and wicked humour has frustrated those who fail to dent his intelligent intervention and logic and won the gratitude and respect of the many who have achieved much more because of his intervention and support.
Knowledge is power and generosity of sharing and shaping has been his gift to us all.
The last time Blair met Carleen Kelemen for a coffee and a chat just weeks before his untimely death he said, “I don’t think he has any idea how long and how much I’ve admired him. And how much I and others appreciate his caring and his tenacity. He is very special. Please tell him for me.”
And so today we do. The recipient of the first Blair Thomson award is Mark Yeoman.
Mr Yeoman said, “It is a great honour to receive this award and be connected with the selfless partnership working that was the hallmark of all that Blair Thomson championed across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”
For further information please contact:
Clare Morgan, Media Relations Manager, Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Tel: 01872 241379 / 07973 813647.
E mail: cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
