National Open College Network Outstanding Achievement Award Winner

Terrence Sandford, Stafford

Nominated by: Keith Cockcroft, Union Learning Manager, Unite the Union (www.unitetheunion.com) Tel: 0121 553 6051 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0121 553 6051      end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0121 553 6051      end_of_the_skype_highlighting Email: keith.cockcroft@unitetheunion.org

Publicity contact: Michelle Abbots

Tel: 0121 553 6051 Email: michelle.abbots@unitetheunion.org

Terry Sandford left school at 15 with few qualifications, but his example of returning to learn 40 years later has inspired over 300 people to sign up in the past year.

As a workplace executive committee member for the Unite union he was asked to help create a learning centre.
Despite his initial lack of confidence, he became increasingly enthusiastic about something he now saw as worthwhile and began attending courses for union learning reps.
He has since achieved qualifications in numeracy, literacy, ICT awareness and negotiator training. He is most proud of his Certificate in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector.

“This has given me the confidence to help others at our learning centre, chair our steering group meetings and go out and speak to colleagues about learning in the workplace.
The learning centre is now a big part of my life and the satisfaction that it brings in helping others is unsurpassed in anything that I have taken part in before,” said Terry.

Keith Cockcroft, nominator and Union Learning Manager, described the take-up by so many as remarkable. “Simply, Terry is their ambassador, confidant, adviser, supporter and coach.”

(Photo of Terrence being presented with his award with the following caption-
Terrence being presented with his award by Christine Assheton, CEO, OCN West Midlands Region)