CIPD Student of the Year Awards 2020

Last month Heart of Worcestershire College (HoW College) held the annual Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Student of the Year Awards. Although the format of these awards was slightly different to normal, the virtual event celebrated the success of CIPD students achieving their qualifications and making an impact in the world of Human Resources.

Prizes were awarded for students who had shown particular determination, high levels of engagement in their learning and a will to succeed whilst studying a professional qualification, especially with the extra pressures of studying during the Covid-19 pandemic.   

The prize winners included Josie Howells for the Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management; Tatiana Turtureanu and Catherine Bird for the Level 5 Certificate in Human Resource Management at Worcester and Redditch; plus, Alex Metcalfe-Pearce and Sally Hellyer for the Level 3 Certificate in Human Resource Practice at Worcester and Redditch. 

Students are nominated for each qualification level by the teaching teams against a number of criteria including commitment to the course, quality of work, engagement with their learning, and progress for the duration of the course.  The prizes are sponsored by the CIPD and were presented to the students by Gill Slater, the Chair of Hereford and Worcester CIPD branch. 

Talking about the course, prize winner, Catherine Bird, commented:

“This course for me was nothing but enjoyable; it quenched my thirst for learning and allowed me to gain an insight into a profession I had become so keen to pursue.”

Josie Howells discussed the positive effect that a CIPD course at HoW College can have both on career and organisational development:

“From the course I have gained a real understanding of the positive impact HR actions can have on my organisation and now I have the theory and knowledge to put forward suggestions and recommendations that make a real difference.” 

This was echoed by Sally Hellyer, who works for The Children’s Family Trust:

“The course has enabled me to increase and consolidate my HR knowledge, giving me the confidence to perform my role to a better standard.  I soon settled in and enjoyed the interaction between tutors and students where we all formed a good working relationship.”

The support of the course tutors, classmates, family members, mentors and managers were acknowledged by the students.

Sally’s Line Manager recognised her commitment to the course and stated:

 “I am really pleased, but not surprised, that Sally has been awarded CIPD Student of the Year for her group.”

Tatiana Turtureanu, who works in the HR Team at Kanes Foods, thanked her employer for their support and added:

 “It was great being able to get back into learning, I enjoyed every moment and I have learnt a lot. Studying wasn’t a case of passing the assignments, it was about developing my skills and equipping me to put them into practice.”

Tatiana also commented how the tutors made the lessons interesting and engaging whilst drawing upon experience.

Finally, Alex Metcalfe-Pearce added:

“I am looking forward to progressing in my career as a HR professional with the help from the CIPD lecturers at HoW College.”

Nona Davies, HE Coordinator for Professional Courses at the College, in her introductions, said:

“HoW College has been offering CIPD qualifications for many years and continues to have excellent pass rates and positive feedback from CIPD, employers and the learners themselves. Whether students are just starting out in their HR career or want to consolidate their experience with a recognised professional qualification, there is something for everyone. It is fantastic that we can celebrate the achievements of all of our CIPD students at this fantastic event.”

For more information about the CIPD courses available at HoW College please click here