The exceptional achievements of Weymouth College BTEC students were recognised at the prestigious 2021 BTEC AWARDS

At the 11th annual Pearson BTEC Awards ceremony, construction student Tamryn Williams and sport student Meredith Samways were celebrated as they were each awarded a coveted Bronze BTEC Learner of the Year Award.

Commenting on Tamryn’s achievements lecturer Maria Norris said: “We're all very proud of Tamryn’s achievements here at Weymouth College and in admiration of her determination and commitment to her course especially through the pandemic. We look forward to seeing her gain a successful future career in civil engineering.”

Meredith’s success was similarly wholeheartedly praised by tutor and head of school Martin Oliver.

He said: “Meredith thoroughly deserves this national recognition and has been a fantastic sport and exercise science student at Weymouth College. Her strong work ethic and supportive nature leave me in no doubt that she will have a fantastic career as a primary school teacher and we wish her all the very best in her future career.”

At Wednesday’s online awards event, 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.

BTEC and Weymouth College alumnus Gareth Ellis Unwin - Academy Award-winning producer and Head of Film and Animation at ScreenSkills – was among those presenting awards.

Cindy Rampersaud, Senior Vice President, 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.

Jonathan Ledger, Skills Specialist at The Department for International Trade commented: “I must emphasise the importance of BTEC as a career-focused type of qualification and that for me is key. This is all about delivering the right skills to the right people at the right time in the right way and BTEC qualifications do just that. For me, BTEC qualifications are a game changer.

"They change lives and they help people improve and contribute to business and society in a big way.

"A huge congratulations once again to all the winners and all of the nominees.”