A student from St Leonards, who overcame mobility problems, has won an award for his hard work.
Paul Cockram was named VQ Hero - Learner of the Year 2009 for the South East as part of the VQ (Vocational Qualification) Hero Awards.
The awards demonstrate the talent, commitment and rigorous standards involved in gaining a vocational qualifica
tion.
Paul has been undertaking a NVQ level 2 in Heritage Care and Visitor Services with Sussex Downs College.
He has previously won the FE Sussex Train to Gain Learner of the Year Award and was highly commended in the South East Learning and Skills Council Train to Gain Outstanding Learner of the Year Award.
Jackie Bennett, programme co-ordinator for management and cultural heritage at the college, said: "Paul has shown outstanding dedication to achieving his qualifications, always going the extra mile to provide superb quality work over and above that required.
"Throughout his courses, Paul has supported himself with casual paid work while volunteering at Bexhill and Rye Castle Museums.
"His qualifications have led to him being given greater responsibility for conservation at the museum and his employer greatly values the professional skills he has gained.
"In addition to this, Paul has conducted research into an environmental eco project which will benefit the entire community and has received attention from the New Zealand government.
"He has done all this with a sense of humour, goodwill and reticence, despite various health issues."
Paul said: "I have worked in a variety of roles over the years. The Train to Gain initiative seemed to meet my needs and support the work I was undertaking.
"I soon discovered the NVQ required me to build a portfolio of evidence following the plans provided by my assessor.
"It also included taking NVQ level 2 literacy and NVQ level 1 numeracy, as this filled a gap in my qualifications.
"I have experienced a number of physical challenges with mobility problems. However I have been determined to overcome these challenges.
"Since winning this prestigious award, I am very excited to have received my first commission to repair a British Romano vase and I am hoping that my new qualifications and VQ Hero Award will assist me in continuing to gain further paid work and employment within the heritage sector."
For more information about VQ Day and the VQ Hero Awards, please visit www.vqday.org.
