Inspirational Ebbi in the running for VQ Learner of the Year Award

Posted on by karen.smith

Ebbi Ferguson, an inspirational learner.

Vocational learning has helped pave the way for talented 18-year-old Llanelli learner Ebbi Ferguson to become the National Union of Students’ youngest ever Vice President and its first officer from the further education sector.

A member of the British under 21 canoe polo squad, she has achieved the Duke of Edinburgh gold and assessor awards and is a Gold Young Ambassador for Carmarthenshire.

Now her learning journey and achievements have won her a place in the final of this year’s prestigious Vocational Qualification (VQ) Awards in Wales. She is one of six finalists in the running to become VQ Learner of the Year at the showpiece awards ceremony on June 4, VQ Day, at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw.

VQ Day is a national celebration of people who have achieved success in vocational education in Wales.

Having achieved BTEC Level 2 and 3 Diplomas in Sports and Outdoor Education at Coleg Sir Gâr in Llanelli, she’s on course to follow in her father Simon’s footsteps by becoming an outdoor instructor. She’s now also considering adding event management qualifications to her CV.

The second eldest of seven children, Ebbi was home schooled with her siblings after primary school before enrolling at Coleg Sir Gâr where she achieved distinctions for her work and won a student of the year award.

She is a college ambassador, sits on the governing body, was the first female Student Union president, has overseen the running of musical events and developed the college Respect campaign.

As a Gold Young Ambassador, she is driving sports participation by young people around Carmarthenshire, helped with the recent Commonwealth Games baton tour of the county and continues to pursue national governing body awards, funded by her part-time jobs.

“Vocational learning is definitely the way forward,” said Ebbi, who recently enjoyed an event management placement at a London sailing centre. “You become so much more employable if you have experience, knowledge and skills rather than just an academic qualification.”

Ebbi was nominated for the VQ Learner of the Year award by her college tutor, Charlie Hammond, outdoor education programme leader, who describes her as “the most enthusiastic and driven student I have been involved with in the last 17 years of teaching”.

The other VQ Learner of the Year finalists are Matthew Edwards, an apprentice butcher with S. A. Vaughan Family Butchers, Penyfford, near Chester who was nominated by Cambrian Training Company, Ashleigh Zeta Jones and chef Rhys Sinfield who were both nominated by Bridgend College, Corey Nixon nominated by Gower College Swansea and St Clears nursery owner Emma Thomas who was nominated by City and County of Swansea Lifelong Learning and Employment Training Service.

Three companies – Hengoed Court care home, Swansea, domiciliary care provider Trusting Hands, Ebbw Vale and Village Bakery, Wrexham – will contest the VQ Employer of the Year Award.

VQ Day supports the aspiration that vocational qualifications, which are not just for young people, should achieve parity of esteem alongside other educational routes.

Learning providers across Wales are being encouraged to organise regional events to celebrate VQ Day and engage with learners of all ages. VQ Day and the VQ Awards are co-ordinated in Wales by ColegauCymru and the National Training Federation for Wales (NTfW) with the support of the Welsh Government and part funded by the European Social Fund.

Wales’ Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Ken Skates, wished the nine finalists success on June 4. “Vocational Qualifications are the gold standard in professional excellence and we must ensure they are recognised alongside academic qualifications for their value to learners and the Welsh economy.

“Wales has a real wealth of talented and committed people who have excelled in their vocational studies and VQ Day is a chance for us to celebrate their achievements. A VQ award is more than just an award; it’s a symbol of dedication towards your chosen profession.”

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