Learners, employers and learning providers across England are celebrating after winning a Regional learndirect Achievement Award.

The 68 winners, chosen from over 1750 nominations, received their awards at one of nine regional ceremonies.

One of these winners was Chulmleigh Business and Enterprise Centre, which won the South West learndirect Centre of the Year Award.

The rural Devon centre specialises in courses reflecting the needs of their community that are learner focused. This was demonstrated by a recent learner satisfaction survey where 100% of respondents said they were very satisfied with the helpfulness of the staff, advice they were given and value for money at the centre.

On receiving their award, centre manager Sandra McMillan, commented: “This is amazing recognition for what we do. Although we are based 20 miles from a college, learners can come to us and we can meet their training needs. We are one of the smallest centres in the South West and to have been up against the big boys and won is great!”

Rehana Abdulla from Hillwood Avenue, Manchester won the North West Region Outstanding Learner Award, which recognises learners who have overcome difficulties to succeed and have inspired others to use learndirect.

As a single working mum of two young children, Rehana wanted to help her children more with their homework and increase her job prospects. Having successfully completed a number of literacy and numeracy qualifications, she applied and has been accepted on to a BA Honors course in social work at Salford University.

After receiving her award Rehana commented: “When I first started I lacked confidence. We really needed to move forward as a family after the children lost their father. Learndirect has enabled us to do this and I can’t thank them enough.”

The winners will represent their regions at the learndirect Achievement Awards national final at The Science Museum in London on 20 October.