The outstanding achievements of Lily Robinson, Art and Design student at Kirklees College were celebrated this week as she was awarded the prestigious BTEC Award for Art and Design Learner of the Year 2021.
Lily was praised for how her passion for fashion fuels her practical work, which is extensive, skilful, detailed and original. Her work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit were applauded by her teachers, noting Lily as a young person of great character and demonstrated by the way she copes with her physical disability and a willingness to mentor and care about her classmates.
Lily’s hard work and dedication was celebrated at Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online on 7 July 2021.
Learners, tutors, teachers, colleges and schools also saw their achievements recognised in the 11th annual BTEC awards ceremony, held online for the second year running due to coronavirus.
19 category award winners were celebrated from around the UK and internationally in subjects such as Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Engineering, IT, Business and Sport.
Lily Robinson, Art and Design Learner of the Year 2021 said:
“Winning this award makes me so proud of myself and I’m immensely grateful for all the people around me who have helped me grow and inspired me to always do my best. My advice to other students is focus on staying in the moment and acknowledge your day to day achievements no matter how big or small and keep your dream alive.”
Helen Balbontin, Teacher and Subject Programme Leader at Kirklees College said:
“We are extremely proud of what Lily has achieved at Kirklees College. We have been inspired by her outstanding, unique and creative artwork. Her work ethic and positive attitude is inspirational. She has overcome many challenges and this award is a testament to the passion and determination she has shown. We look forward to following her promising career and achievements.”
Cindy Rampersaud Senior Vice President for BTEC and Apprenticeships at Pearson, said:
“2021 has been another extraordinary year for our BTEC learners, tutors, teachers, colleges and schools and I am delighted that today we are able to come together and celebrate this year’s winners – and all of the individuals who will be awarded a BTEC qualification this year. The hard work and commitment demonstrated by our award winners, all of whom have achieved great things during a time of unprecedented disruption, is extraordinary and I am proud we are able to celebrate their achievements.”
Nearly a million learners across the globe completed BTEC courses over the past year; the career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. This is especially important in the current context as the UK responds to the global pandemic and looks to kickstart projects to speed economic recovery.
For more information about Art and Design courses at Kirklees College, visit https://www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/subjects/art-and-design/.
