EXETER College students Angela Richards and Andrew Seaton have been named as finalists in the first-ever Learning and Skills Council South West Skills Awards 2007.

The two students will attend an award ceremony on Thursday 26th April 2007 at Sandy Park Stadium, Exeter.

Adult student Angela was nominated for her determination to overcome past and present barriers to learning.

She gained Level1 in numeracy and Level 2 in literacy at Exeter College and despite having a baby she continued her education, juggling childcare with her work and studies. Last summer she passed her numeracy Level 2 exam and a GCSE in English. This year Angela, who was named Exeter College’s Skills for Life Student of the Year recently, hopes to pass her maths GCSE. Andrew Seaton, a former St James’ School student, recently gained Exeter College’s highest GCSE English coursework marks. Overcoming difficult circumstances, he progressed from having no qualifications two years ago to following a full, four AS-level programme today. He was recently awarded Foundation Studies Department Student of the Year prize from Exeter College.

Stagecoach Devon and Cedars Neighbourhood Nursery are also employer of the year finalists. They are nominated in the Train to Gain and apprenticeship categories respectively for the work they do in partnership with Exeter College.
Malcolm Gillespie, LSC Regional Director (South West) said: “Shortlisting entries for the Skills Awards has been a particularly difficult job this year because the standard has been so high Angela and Andrew can be particularly proud of receiving Special Commendations in the face of so much competition. “The awards are perfect for showcasing the outstanding contribution that individuals and businesses are making to raise skill levels, and improve productivity and competitiveness throughout the South West, and I wish (name) every success at the awards ceremony at the end of the month.”