“This year, we have 121 nominations for 11 award categories – our largest ever number of nominations. Following a robust judging process, a winner and runner up was selected for each category but with so many worthy nominations to consider, this was a challenging process.”
The chairman continued: “I know I speak for the other governors when I say we are continually impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of College staff and their commitment to delivering a high-quality learning experience for all of our students.
“Their work embodies the College’s vision to be the FE College of choice by providing lifelong learning opportunities for all through innovative, high-quality education and skills training.”
Catering and Hospitality lecturer, Robert Tessier, who is based at the College’s Ballymena campus was winner of the Lecturer of the Year Award, in recognition of his outstanding learner engagement and classroom practice. His enthusiasm for learning has helped inspire students to achieve and progress to secure employment within the hospitality industry.
The Excellence in Supporting Students Award went to Engineering lecturer, Karla Kosch. Karla encouraged her students to compete in WorldSkills UK competitions. Last year, they won gold, silver and bronze medals in Industrial Robotics category at the national final and two students were selected to represent Team UK in the international final in Luxembourg. There was further success at the 2022 finals when her students secured gold and bronze medals in the UK national finals.
Computing lecturer, Emma Butler won the Excellence in Teaching Innovation Award in recognition of how her innovative approach to teaching and learning has impacted positively on the student experience. Emma, who co-ordinates the Level 3 Advanced Technical was also winner of the Best New Course for the 2021/22 academic year.
The Team Player of the Year Award, in recognition of successful collaborative working with department colleagues and teams across the College to meet goals and manage projects, went to Anne-Marie McAleese, Health and Social Care lecturer.
The award for the Professional Services Team Member of the Year went to Sam McIlwaine, an ‘unsung hero’ who frequently goes the extra mile to help others. Sam is a member of the College’s IT Support team.
The Ballymoney Early Years Team (Beth Thompson, Elaine Hegarty, Heather Nesbitt, Laura-Jayne Walker, Tanya Blair and Kasala McCurdy) won the Excellence in the Community and Society Award for their outstanding contribution to engagement with the local community and external stakeholders. Thanks to the team’s encouragement and support, students have a greater sense of social responsibility through their involvement in a range of charitable projects such as the Christians Against Poverty Foodbank and links with The Quiet Garden.
Lauren Millar, Education Support coordinator with the Student Services team, won the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award for her outstanding commitment to developing a culturally diverse and welcoming college community. She works tirelessly with colleagues across the College to develop innovative ways of promoting inclusion.
The New Start of the Year Award went to Animal Management lecturer, Aisleen Keenan. During the 2021-2022 academic year, Aislinn introduced a new Level 5 qualification in Animal Management, to provide a progression route for Level 3 students.
The Ballymoney Campus Beauty Therapy Team won the Curriculum Team of the Year Award for their collegiate spirt, collaborative working and sharing of good practice. Over the past five years, the team has demonstrated excellent teaching and learning, as evidenced by their outstanding student retention, achievement and success in all full-time courses.
The award for the Professional Services Team of the Year went to the College’s Finance Team.
For full details of winners and runner-ups visit our staff awards page.