Bursaries worth thousands to be awarded to NIs top learners and training providers
OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK NI (OCN NI) has announced details of its fifth Learning Endeavour Awards which aim to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals and their training providers, by highlighting the power of learning to transform lives for the better.
Martin Flynn, CEO, OCN NI, said: “We are thrilled to announce details of our Learning Endeavour Awards for 2023. This year, we are taking things up a notch by hosting the event at the prestigious Titanic Suite in Titanic Belfast on Monday 26th June. We hope the iconic venue will provide an inspiring backdrop for what will be a unique day of celebration for Northern Ireland’s learners and educators.
“We hope to welcome over 300 guests to the event which will be made up of our shortlisted finalists, their family and friends as well as a number of special guests, so the atmosphere will be electric. This year we have a significant bursary fund available for winners as well as highly commended participants, £18,500 in total, so we would encourage entries from eligible learners and training providers as soon as they can.”
The OCN NI Learning Endeavour Awards is unique in Northern Ireland as it brings together learners from a range of education and training providers, including representatives from the community and voluntary sector, further education, private training as well as schools.
Martin continued: “We will again be recognising outstanding achievements across seven award categories with our customary Hilary Sloan MBE Learning Endeavour Award being presented to the outstanding student of the year.”
Paul Donaghy Chair of OCN NI, said: “It’s part of our charitable obligation at OCN NI to give back to our learners and training providers where we can and to ensure the advancement of education for public benefit. So, we’re delighted to once again begin the search for the talented individuals and hardworking centres from across NI, who will be recognised and rewarded via our Learning Endeavour Award bursaries. The stories of determination that we uncover every year are always very humbling so we are excited to see what 2023 will bring, good luck to everyone.”
OCN NI 2023 Learning Endeavour Awards nomination forms are available now via OCN NIs website https://ocnni.org.uk/learner-awards until Friday 7th April with the awards taking place at Titanic Belfast on June 26th.
The 2023 Learning Endeavour Awards categories are as follows:
- Further Education Learner of the Year
- Schools Learner of the Year
- Third Sector Learner of the Year
- Advancing Learning Through Innovation
- Health & Well-being Learner of the Year
- Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
- Provider of the Year
- The Hilary Sloan MBE Learning Endeavour Award
For more information visit https://ocnni.org.uk/learner-awards or a short introduction video to this year’s awards from OCN NI’s CEO, Martin Flynn is available at OCN NI Learning Endeavour Awards 2023 Launch.
