Home > News > February 2005 > 17-Feb-2005

Minister invites nominations for the 2005 STAR Awards

Dr Kim Howells, The Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, has opened nominations for the 2005 STAR Awards, encouraging learners, colleagues and the general public to nominate someone they believe to be a STAR.

The STAR Awards were created to recognise and reward the unsung heroes of the learning and skills sector, including tutors, trainers, managers and support staff, in their many varied roles.

The Minister said: "The contribution that front-line staff in the learning and skills sector make every day to people’s lives and aspirations is immense. These unsung heroes are among our most valuable citizens. Without them, this area of the education system wouldn’t function. Without them, we wouldn’t have the skills so essential to our economy.

Dr Howells added, "These individuals are often too modest to draw attention to their own commitment and achievements. Yet they help students reach their potential through life-changing experiences in learning. Whilst actors and actresses, pop stars and singers are recognised regularly for their achievements at events like this week’s Baftas Ceremony and Brit Awards, we now have a great opportunity to celebrate an unsung hero by nominating them for a STAR Award."

One of last year’s nominees Caroline Tams, said: "I was very surprised to hear that I had been nominated for a STAR Award. It is refreshing to know that those of us who quietly get on with our jobs and do our best for all of the students in our care, can get recognised."

In the inaugural year of the Awards in 2004 more than 1,600 nominations were received. 13 STAR Awards winners were announced at the Awards Ceremony held in London in October 2004.

Anyone can nominate a STAR. To be eligible for a STAR Award, nominees must work in the learning and skills sector, in an organisation in England which is not a school or university, and which receives funding from the LSC.

There are sixteen prize categories in 2005, including newly introduced awards for volunteers, teams and Subject Learning Coaches working within the sector.

Winners will be chosen by an independent Judging Panel, and will receive a £2,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate. The winning team will receive a £5,000 cash prize, trophy and certificate. Nominations can be made online at www.dfes.gov.uk/starawards, or by calling the STAR Awards Helpline on 0800 652 0528 and requesting a nomination form.

The 2005 nomination period is open from Monday 7th February until midnight on 29th April 2005.

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