It was a double celebration for our Employability Advisor, Leeann Jenkinson who was delighted to be scoop the top award in the Support at Work category at the Scottish Learning Disability Awards last week, on the same day as her 40th birthday! The glittering award ceremony which was held at the Sheraton Grand in Edinburgh, as part of Scotland’s Learning Disability Week was attended by a host of individuals and organisation within the supported learning community including the Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey. These worthwhile awards recognise the fantastic achievements of outstanding individuals with learning disabilities but also those who support them, which is where Leeann comes in.
Leeann has been a shining example at the College and in the local community in her 8 years doing fantastic work and massively improving the lives of the young people with learning disabilities that she supports. Her role involves working with students applying for employability courses particularly the Certificate for Work Readiness and working with local employers to provide work placement opportunities. The programme focuses particularly on individuals with learning difficulties and autism and Leeann is involved in supporting them with their career goals throughout the employability process from application to the work place.
It was a shock for Leeann to be nominated by Kevin Rogers, Centre Manager at Inverkip Community Hub and Sean Devlin, 24, a West College Scotland student who has successfully moved from placement to volunteer to now a Modern Apprenticeship within the hub, all thanks to Leeann’s support!
Kevin spoke of the partnership with Leeann saying,
“The communication between Leeann and ourselves has been really great and the end product is that we have young people within the hub doing really great work.”
The impact on Sean and the other students Leeann has worked with has been invaluable. Sean said that being involved in the programme has improved his confidence and made him stronger as a person. He also shared his support of Leeann saying,
“Leeann is a worthy finalist, she brings out the potential in people and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her.”
Although it feels like just another day in the office for Leeann who sees all this fantastic work as being just part of her job she was delighted to be recognised. Leeann said,
“People with learning disabilities make wonderful employees as they have great commitment, time keeping and work ethics Seeing the young people believe in themselves and how far they have come is a reward in itself.”.
Head of Learner Development, Paul Martin highlighted Leeann’s success saying, "I am absolutely delighted that Leeann's dedicated hard work and professionalism has been recognised in this way. She is part of a dedicated team of Learner Development staff dedicated to enhancing opportunities for people with barriers to work. Very well done Leeann for achieving this recognition! "
Congratulations Leeann from everyone at West College Scotland – we are so proud to have you as a valued member of our team!
Watch the video below for more on Leeann’s nomination: