Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The Big Skills Awards, launched on Monday, 11 February, 2008, is a new initiative to recognise people in Norfolk who have shown the commitment and determination it takes to learn something new.

The awards scheme, created in partnership with Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk and the Learning And Skills Council (LSC), features eight categories to choose from.

Entries must show how the nominated person has excelled and/or overcome challenges to acquire new skills and how learning has had a positive impact on that person or other people.

Kenny Logan

Kenny Logan, former Scottish rugby international and Strictly Come Dancing favourite, is delighted to be involved in the awards.

"I'm very pleased to be supporting an initiative as worthwhile as The Big Skill. It is so important that regardless of age, people continue to learn new skills – it can have such a positive impact on your life and on the lives of others," said Kenny.

Kenny Logan learns to dance

"I have overcome challenges to learn new skills - including learning to read as an adult due to dyslexia and learning to dance on national television!

"I hope that this offers some inspiration and encouragement both to those entering the awards and to those who have yet to learn a new skill," he added.

Your nominations

From improving your numeracy and literacy, or learning to develop websites in order to improve your job prospects, perhaps teaching first-aid at a village hall or taking on apprentices, The Big Skill wants your nominations.

Whether you're at school, college, work or retired, everyone has opportunities to improve their lives by learning new skills.

So if this sounds like you, or you know someone who deserves some recognition for their hard work to gain or pass on new skills, fill out a nomination form and return it by 31 March, 2008.

To enter a nomination

There are three options for completing the nomination form.

1. You can download the form here (.pdf), complete it by hand and then post it to the LSC (full address in the nomination pack).

2. Download an edited version of the form here (word document), complete it electronically and then e-mail as an attachment to bigskillnorfolk@lsc.gov.uk

If using this method you will also need to download the whole information pack (.pdf) for full instructions on how to enter.

3. Telephone the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk CSV Action Desk on 01603 631631 and the full information pack, including the nomination form will be posted to you.

The Big Skill Awards are open to all people (aged 14 to 100+) who learn and live in Norfolk. Award winners will receive Β£250 towards the cost of future learning. The award categories are:

• 14 – 16 Learner Award
• 17 – 19 Learner Award
• Adult Learner Award
• Skills for the Community Award
• Skills for Work Award
• Workforce Learning Award
• The Learners' Champion Award
• E-Learning Award

Radio presenters learn new skills

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk is working in partnership with LSC Norfolk on the awards and a number of its presenters have pledged to learn a new skill over the coming months.

"We're delighted that LSC Norfolk is linking up with the county's radio station for this exciting initiative," said David Clayton, editor at Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Norfolk.

"Our presenters are joining in wholeheartedly to encourage everyone to take up a new skill or learning experience.

"Radio airwaves are a great way of bringing a vibrant place like Norfolk together, and together we can make a difference to our lives with new challenges," he added.

The presenters learning new skills include breakfast show presenter Stephen Bumfrey being trained as a chef and mid-morning host Graham Barnard learning how to drive a bus.

The afternoon teams have opted for musical ventures, with Roy Waller picking up the guitar and drivetime presenter Nicky Price learning how to sing.

"After years of being told to stop singing because it is always out of tune, I've decided to find out if anyone can teach me to sing properly," said Nicky.

"I'm really excited about it. I hope my voice is 'teachable' and just hope that I'll soon be the karaoke queen of Norfolk," she added.

Have a go

Encouraging more people in Norfolk to have a go at learning is central to The Big Skill.

"The LSC is calling all Norfolk learners and those who help others to learn new skills to enter the awards," said Graham Brough, area director with LSC Norfolk.

"Those people who have excelled in learning or gained skills despite facing personal challenges should be celebrated and in doing so, they can inspire others.

"There is such a wide range of learning options available across the county and the LSC wants more people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in learning, develop new skills and be given every opportunity to fulfil their potential," he added.

Big Skill Awards event

The Big Skill Awards will culminate in a day-long event on Friday, 30 May, 2008 outside The Forum in Norwich.

Local schools, colleges and training providers will showcase the different learning opportunities available and Norfolk people will be encouraged to come along and have a go at learning a new skill.

The evening awards ceremony with Kenny Logan will follow with live music.

"The Big Skill Awards will recognise people in Norfolk who have already made a real difference and I'm looking forward to the awards ceremony in May. Good luck to all those who enter," said Kenny.

The closing date for nominations is Monday, 31 March, 2008.