An unemployed man has won an award for his commitment to improving his job prospects.
Mark Parker, 45, is the first winner of the Learner of the Month Award at TIR Training in Beverley.
He was chosen by his tutors after demonstrating outstanding commitment to the Employability Training Course, which helps unemployed people improve their qualifications and develop the skills employers need.
Mark, of west Hull, joined the course in August this year and has passed exams in English, maths and IT. He has also learned to operate a fork lift truck and gained a vocational qualification in warehouse and storage.
After completing the course, he opted to study for extra qualifications in English and maths while he searches for work.
Mark said:
“It’s a bit of a shock to win the award, but I have put the work in. I gelled with the people in the group, and everybody helps each other.
“It’s a good course because the tutors bring you along at your own learning pace, and if you need help, you can ask for it.”
Mark, who previously worked in timber yards and has fork lift driving experience, attended TIR Training from Monday to Thursday each week.
Although his time at TIR meant returning to the classroom for essential qualifications in maths and English, he has never looked back, and he now hopes to use his new-found skills to secure a job in a warehouse or as a driver.
He added: “I’m on the work programme through the Job Centre. My advisor noticed I had driven a forklift in the past and asked if I wanted to renew it, so she found this company.
“When it was first mentioned that I needed to do maths and English, I nearly had heart failure and very nearly walked out. But here I am. If I hadn’t done this course, I would have just been sat at home.”
Mark was presented with his award by Christine Wright, Director of Quality and Learner Services at TIR Training, and his tutor Karen White, in a presentation attended by his peers on the course.
Karen said Mark had demonstrated an “exemplary” attendance record of 96 per cent – the highest TIR has seen on the course.
Praising Mark’s commitment, she said:
“Mark is an excellent role model to the other learners, always willing to help, support and assist when asked. This is a fully-deserved award in recognition of his achievements and character.”
Learners on the Employability Training Course study for qualifications in English, maths, ICT and Work Skills, which includes CV writing and interview techniques.
They then have the choice of pursuing a range of vocational qualifications. The Learner of the Month will not necessarily be the person who achieves the highest marks in their exams.
Instead, the individual who has shown outstanding commitment to improving their job skills and getting back into work, as well as demonstrating the best attitude to learning, will be put forward by their tutors.
As well as a certificate, the winners will receive shopping vouchers and will be featured in a new Hall of Fame on the company’s website. The winners will also be able to include the award on their CVs and job applications to help them stand out from the competition.
Karen added:
“Anything that encourages learners to succeed has to be a good thing. I remember Mark’s induction and to see the transformation is wonderful.”
