Weston-super-Mare learner wins prestigious Health and Social Care accolade at 2021 BTEC Awards
The exceptional achievements of Weston College’s Ellie Hedges were celebrated yesterday as she was awarded the prestigious bronze BTEC Award for Health and Social Care.
Ellie, aged 19, was recognised by teachers and peers for her outstanding contributions. As well as completing her Level 3 qualification to an extremely high standard, she also worked 40-60 hours a week as a community carer all through the pandemic. Ellie is incredibly motivated to achieve, applying the classroom taught knowledge to benefit the local community. She is described as “an inspiration for all health and social students”.
The Priory Community School leaver’s hard work and dedication was celebrated at the 11th anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online on 7th July 2021 at 2pm.
Ellie commented: “I was shocked to be honest. It felt amazing to be recognised, especially on an international level with applicants from 31 other countries aswell.
“I think the opportunities you get here are amazing. Sarah-Jane has been incredible and I’ll never forget going into the simulation room for the first time, being taken back on how real it felt. This really helped to prepare me for placements and work by putting my knowledge into practice.”
Now having completed her Level 3 BTEC, Ellie is progressing to study Midwifery at University of West of England (UWE) in January 2022.
Co-hosted by presenter of the United View, YouTube influencer and BTEC alumnus and ambassador, Flex and sports presenter and events host, Gemma Care. 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 alumni including Academy Award-winning producer and Head of Film and Animation at ScreenSkills Gareth Ellis-Unwin, entrepreneur and founder of SB.TV Jamal Edwards MBE, and award-winning actress Lucy Fallon were among those also presenting awards.
Commenting on the achievement, Ellie’s tutor, Sarah-Jane Lewis added: “We're all hugely proud of everything Ellie has achieved here at the college. It’s fantastic to see her hard work paying off and this achievement is very well deserved. We’re all about creating brighter futures, and Ellie’s future is bright indeed!”
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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.”
During the ceremony hosted on YouTube, Pearson also announced the winners of the 2021 Showstopper Challenge, a competition that gives BTEC performers the opportunity to showcase their talents. The audience were treated to performances from:
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Bishop Challoner Catholic College
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Jackie Palmer Academy
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Clevedon School
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D16 Performing Arts College
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.”
