European Social Fund in England
2007 - 2013
Skills Celebration as Euro Funding Pays Dividends
Trainees from across the West Midlands are celebrating after their achievements were rewarded at a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Stars for Skills event, at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, was designed to recognise the individuals who have made the most of opportunities provided by free training schemes funded by the LSC’s European Social Fund (ESF) in the West Midlands.
The event represented an opportunity to share the huge success of the range of initiatives that have taken place under ESF Objective 3:
- 25,000 people developing new skills
- 10,000 employers benefiting from a skills boost to their business
- 20,000 people helped to enter further education
- 6,500 people with disabilities realising their employment potential
Over 100 guests, including several trainees, training providers and business representatives attended the LSC-hosted event, compered by Midlands Today journalist Ashley Blake.
Nominations were received for learners from across the region with winners chosen from Coventry and Warwickshire, Staffordshire and the Black Country. Award categories were created for best learner; new business starter; workplace learner, young achiever, adult achiever and re-trainer.
Each winner received a trophy, certificate and £100 in book tokens. Those who were highly commended received a certificate and £530 in book tokens.
David Cragg, LSC Regional Director said: "The LSC ESF programme has been operating in the region since 2000 and has provided more than £120 million to help boost skills and get thousands of people back into training and work across the West Midlands.
"The awards event was a chance to thank everyone for their involvement - projects, employers and achievers alike. We must continue to strive to create opportunities for people that live and work in the region, to develop their skills and, in so doing, help meet the future needs of local employers."