Bishop Auckland training company S & D Training held a sparkling Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday 24th September.
The anticipated event went down a storm with Las Vegas style stilt walkers welcoming guests and catching the eye of passers by, whilst indoors a fun casino and dance acts Kdanz and Bambeat entertained the crowds. Special guests included local dignitary Mayor of Shildon Gareth Howe.
The training company, which was founded in 1984 has directly helped more than 3000 individuals to find employment and put over 5500 onto courses.
Many of these learners have overcome great personal barriers, often requiring additional support in specific areas of their lives. The Annual Awards Evening is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements
of the learners and to thank those who have supported them along the way.
Highlights of the night included the presentation of the highly-coveted Lipinski Award, which is awarded to the most “Outstanding and Inspirational Learner of the year”. This year’s winner was Sean
Deant. Sean started on the Gateway To Work programme having been unemployed for several years due to being the main carer for his sick daughter as she spent the first few years of her life in hospital.
His gap in employment became his barrier to securing employment. Through sheer hard work and determination and support from S & D Training and Working Links Sean eventually went on to secure full-time
employment with Tallents in Newton Aycliffe as a production operative.
Company MD Toni Stratton said, “Every year we celebrate the achievements of our learners and the businesses that support them. This year however, has been that little bit extra special with it being
our 25th Anniversary.
“What sets S&D Training aside from other training companies is that it was set up purely for the benefit of the local community and a strong fundamental belief that everyone has the right to an education,
to learn and to achieve still underpins the companies operations to this very day.”
The company is now a registered charity and is currently going through positive new changes.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
