Prestigious BTEC awards for learners

Emily was recognised for her hard work and positivity, as well as her passion and drive for her future career path and continuous support for others inside and outside of school.

Meanwhile, Stefanie was said to have been an exceptional student who has taken every opportunity her BTEC course offered to develop her skills and understanding.

Emily and Stefanie’s hard work and dedication was celebrated at the tenth anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online on June 25 at 2pm.

Across Northern Ireland, a further five leaners and a college were awarded bronze or silver awards.

BTEC Child and Social Care Learner of the Year 2020, Emily Campbell, commented: “I was so pleased when my teacher even thought to nominate me for the award and I certainly never expected to be the winner. It is such an honour to be recognised in this way. Thank you to everyone involved.”

Stefanie McCluskey, BTEC Sport Learner of the Year 2020, said: “It is a privilege to have won this award and it has given me the motivation to continue working as hard as I can and go as far as I can in sports education. It has inspired me to be the best I can be and has just confirmed that I am on the correct path to my dream future.”

The 2020 BTEC Awards comprised of 17 categories and was hosted by presenter of the United Stand, YouTube influencer and BTEC Ambassador, Flex, with awards presented by Double Olympic Gold medallist Max Whitlock as well as actress and former BTEC Drama student at The BRIT School, Kellie Shirley.

The expert panel of judges made up of Pearson’s senior leadership team, journalists and external experts, carefully considered the nominees before deciding on the winners. 

Congratulating Emily, East Antrim DUP MP Sammy Wilson said: “I want to congratulate Emily Campbell on her magnificent achievement in gaining a 2020 BTEC award for Child and Social Care. She completed her course at an extremely difficult time when schools and colleges were closed and there was the strains of finalising work in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

“Emily has shown not just an academic commitment to her chosen career, but has also been putting learning to practical experience with her work both inside and outside of college.

“It is worth noting that despite the fact that colleges have been closed, tutors have in difficult circumstances sought to give support to their students. It is good to see that the normal business of skilling vital workers in our society continues and that students are able to achieve high quality qualifications which will be of immense use in the sector of their choice.”

Commenting on Stefanie’s achievement, Belfast Metropolitan College’s lecturer Lynsey Sloan said: “We are so proud that Stefanie has won this award. It is testament to her hard work and inspiring attitude.

“Stefanie richly deserves this recognition. Stefanie is one of those students who has the ability to motivate all those who come into contact with her and is a real positive role model who has been a pleasure to teach and have as a student at Belfast Met.”

Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President BTEC and Apprenticeship, explained: “This year I’ve been over-whelmed by the quality of BTEC Award nominations we received and I am delighted to celebrate this year’s winners and the achievements of all learners who will be awarded a BTEC this year.

“Over the past few weeks and months, we’ve seen how the current pandemic has highlighted the critical role of key workers and individuals who are likely to have followed a vocational educational pathway such as BTEC.“

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