Shining students scoop achievement awards

Awards were given out to the most outstanding Edge Hill students to recognise their achievements in the voluntary sector and workplace this week.

The Careers Centre recently hosted a special ceremony to acknowledge the fantastic contribution that students make either by volunteering their help for free or through paid employment -in addition to their studies.

Watch footage of the event here.

This year's Volunteer of the Year award went to Alex Winstanley, who is in his 1^st year on the BA (Hons) PE and School Sports degree programme. Alex has been volunteering as a coach with Wigan Sports Development for many years and has been a role model to other young people and volunteers. His employers said: "Through his volunteering commitment he has grown in personal confidence and provided inspiration and support to other young people. He is always willing to go above and beyond what is expected of him to ensure others will benefit from and enjoy sport as much as he does.  He is an inspirational young man."

Speaking after scooping the award, he said: "I'm chuffed to bits to win this award, especially competing against someone who has donated bone marrow to save a man's life. Getting involved in volunteering is so rewarding though and I'd recommend it to anyone. I want to be a PE teacher and I love that I've been able to coach people of all abilities in sport. Knowing that I'm passing on my skills and knowledge is really nice, it helps them and it helps develop my skills for the future too."

The Employee of the Year Award was split into two categories, those who work on campus at the University and students who work for an external organisation.

The on campus accolade was given to 3^rd year BA (Hons) History student Luke Coombes for his work within the University's Education Liason Team. He was praised for putting "100% into all the work he undertakes" and "setting a benchmark for other Student Guides". The Team also acknowledged his heroic efforts for his quick action when a fire alarm went off during an event. They said: "He was under tremendous pressure and responded to this challenge in an exceptional manner. He should be afforded additional recognition when the fact that stress can and does often trigger epileptic fits is taken into account."

Luke said: "I really wasn't expecting to win so it's great news for me. I have epilepsy and the team have been so flexible and supportive with me. Personally, I have made so many good friends and I really love the work I have been doing for them. I hope that this will give me the edge over other candidates when it comes to applying for jobs because I have gained so many transferable skills."

The second category for the external, off campus employee award went to Raja Zamir Khan, who is a 2^nd year BSc (Hons) Science with QTS student for his role as Business Developer at PC Traders UK. His employer said: "Raja provides awesome research to our whole office.  He is a forward thinker who can also bring it back to the basics.  He is a true expert and is passionate about his job. Raja as been offered a permanent lucrative position with our company based between London and Dubai, but he has reluctantly turned it down due to his charitable work commitments he does in Liverpool. This shows a true measure of what a special human being he is."

Upon winning the award, he said: "I was shocked to find out that my boss had nominated me because he is a hard man and I didn't think he would do that sort of thing, so I'm really pleased that he put my name forward, it means a lot to me. Winning this award I'm sure will do wonders for me around employment and will showcase to potential employers my skills."

Thirty-eight students who achieved the Edge Hill University Employability Programme were also presented with certificates for passing the course with flying colours.

Awards were also given out on the night to a number of employers and voluntary organisations who have made a significant contribution to developing students' employability. These were: Enterprise Group, Domino's Pizza, Gardline Marine Sciences, Silverbeck Rymer Solicitors, the Co-operative Group, Ormskirk Hospital Radio and Central Links Children's Centre.

Jacqui Howe, Head of Careers, said: "Our students make an enormous positive contribution to the local community and these awards are to acknowledge our most outstanding students who have made a real difference either through employment or volunteering opportunities. We had so many deserving entries and it was very difficult to make a decision. Each and every one of them should be congratulated for managing to juggle their studies and work effectively, they should be seen as ambassadors for the University and I'm very proud of them all."