Student Nominated for VQ Learner of the Year Award

The Vocational Qualification (VQ) Learner of the Year Awards takes place annually. It aims to recognise learners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies. Learner’s can be nominated for the award by their college and tutors if the learner has made considerable achievements in their field.

This year, Lincoln College has put forward Therese Mendy, aged 21 for her commitment and determination in all she does, even when things get difficult.

A VQ Learner of the Year is sought for each of the nine English regions who are then invited to attend the VQ event in June where the England national winner is announced.

Therese Mendy came to England from Gambia aged just 15 with very little understanding of English. She was unable to read or write and had a limited vocabulary.

“I didn’t understand anything when I came to England; it was all very different in Gambia.”

However, she spent five years at college and in that time has come on in “Leaps and Bounds” as her tutor, Jane Hodcroft, commented.
Therese undertook Functional Skills Level 1 in Maths, English, ICT and Level 2 Personal Social and Development Skills. She continued her studies into the hospitality sector, achieving a Certificate in Introduction to Hospitality Industry Level 1 and Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

“I am doing ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) now and that is helping me a lot, I have learnt a lot of English.”

She has been successful in all that she has worked hard for, such as Young Enterprise where she baked and sold fresh bread and cakes at the City of Lincoln Indoor Market. She did sometimes struggle with the learning but her determination enabled her success.

Therese said;

“It has been easier to learn in the college because I have learnt whilst I have been doing things which has been much better for me. My course has also helped me to read because I have had to read recipes as well as weigh and measure things.”

Jane Hodcroft commented;

“She is one of the most hard working and level headed students I have ever had. She is an excellent cook and has the patience to decorate lovely cakes. It has been very rewarding indeed to have Therese on the course and I am sure that she will do very well in the future.”

Therese is due to leave Lincoln College in June this year and has secured a placement working at the HUB when she leaves, along with some voluntary work experience at a local community café.

When asked where she would like to be in a few years time, Therese replied:

“I want to go to the HUB for further training and they will help me to get a job in catering. I would like to work in a bakery making cakes.”