Training College celebrates trainees determination to succeed
Trainees, staff and businesses from all over the UK joined together on Wednesday 22 June to celebrate the determination, hard work and success of disabled trainees at Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College.
Garry Billing, Training College Principal, outlined the College’s philosophy on re-training for work: "e;We are here to provide the expertise and to support and encourage - but to succeed, trainees must work for themselves and, like the prize-winners here today, be totally dedicated to their training.I have nothing but admiration for all our trainees.&qoute;
Prizes were awarded in sixteen different categories ranging from Book-Keeping & Accounts through to Computer Aided Design and Travel Services for students who had excelled in their training. 2005 has been a particularly successful year for the Training College as a whole and Garry Billing explained why:
"e;We can lay claim to be the number one residential vocational training college for people with disabilities. A greater proportion of trainees gained employment following their attendance at Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College than any other similar college in the country. We are very grateful to all of the companies and individuals who have sponsored the prizes today. We have always received fantastic support from businesses throughout the UK. This year is the College’s 70 th Anniversary and the support over the last few months has been phenomenal. Thank you very much to all of our supporters.&qoute;
Past president of Surrey Chambers East, Colin Peel, of Colin Peel Associates, sponsored the Trainee of the Year prize: "e;It’s always terrific to see people unlock their inner potential. Many disabled people I meet are brimming with ideas, energy and most importantly a positive outlook. Many businesses are finally waking up and seeing all the talents and skills disabled people have to offer. They are learning to suspend disbelief.&qoute;
About Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College
Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Training College has been working with people with disabilities for 70 years. The College delivers an exceptional standard of training and education to enable its trainees to gain employment and independence. Providing a vibrant and stimulating environment, the College works to educate and retrain young people with disabilities through a wide range of certified courses ranging from Information Technology and Horticulture through to Building Crafts. The Training College is one of the Foundation’s five centres dealing with complex disability, working with trainees from all over the UK.
About Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation
Queen Elizabeth's Foundation is a registered charity based in Leatherhead, Surrey providing solutions to the needs of people with disabilities through the work of its five sites specialising in education, vocational training, brain injury rehabilitation, skills development and mobility as well as an information service.
| Prize | Sponsor | Trainee |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee of the Year | Colin Peel | Helen Nilsen |
| Christian Harel Prize | Dr. John Bootes | Alex Clements |
| Employment Development | PML Group | Robert Lewis |
| Book-keeping and Accounts | Chris Ames | Trevor Jenkins |
| BPM | C. Brewer & Sons Ltd. | David Martin |
| Carpentry and Joinery | Axminster Tools | Paul Wharf |
| CAD | D.E. Roberts Ltd. | Paul Bradley |
| DAPS | British Gas | Anthony Puttock |
| Horticulture | Seymours Garden and Leisure Centre | Douglas Watson |
| ITSM | Dickies | Neville Reeves |
| Media Techniques | Peel Partnership | Andy Clifford |
| Office Administration | SitSmart Ltd. | Lee Sliney |
| Office Administration - EL | Stress Free Cleaning Contractors Ltd. | Sohnpal Gill |
| Travel Services | Hilton in the Community | Wayne Britchford |
| Vehicle Refinishing | G. Mitchell Ltd and 3M | Antonio Calandriello |
