NVQ student wins excellence award

He is Alan Stone, and his mentor, Martina Taylor, who is retail co-ordinator with Derry Youth and Community Workshop, this week said she was ‘absolutely delighte’ for her prize student.

“What Alan started studying was an NVQ 2 in retail skills. Achieving this qualification means the holder is competent in a retail environment as a sales advisor,” Martina said.

“Alan came to us from Lisneal, and was keen to study a subject that would lead to employment. I thought he was suitable for this course because he has good people skills, was a good worker, he got along with people and has a very good personality. He is also extrememly well-mannered,” she said of her student.

“When he completed his coursework it was of such a high standard that I felt he should be nominated for a City and Guilds Medal of Excellence award and I put his name forward. In addition, last year his team came second in the Northern Ireland heat of the Skillsmart Visual Merchandising Competition. So, when I sumitted his entry I included the SkillSmart material and the Excellent Award judges said they were very pleased with all the evidence that was submitted on Alan and particularly the fact that he had taken part in the visual merchandising competition.

“I am delighted for Alan,” she said, adding: “ I am so pleased for him and, of course, I am very porud of him.”

Alan received his accolade in Belfast last month, which was presented by Alan Shannon, Under Secretary for the Department of Employment and Learning, and earlier in the month, on April 12, Alan received his City and Guilds gold pin at a gala dinner in London.