A DROITWICH man has been named the first ever Worcestershire Adult Learner of the Year.
Tom Jauncey, who is 27, was presented with the prestigious accolade and a certificate of achievement at a special ceremony on July 4.
Tom was one of eight learners who enrolled last September on a ‘Woodland and Wellbeing’ outdoor course run by Elements Alternative Learning Services and funded by Worcestershire County Council and Community Learning Trust.
The course, using bushcraft, was aimed at improving the wellbeing of learners with learning difficulties or disabilities.
To begin with, Tom was shy and suspicious of new people and experience but, as the course progressed, he worked extremely hard, demonstrating excellent progress to overcome the challenges and improve his social and functional skills.
Inspired by the outdoor learning environment, Tom took part in a further ‘Tree to Animal House Project’ course, which was also funded by the trust and run by the Worcestershire Woodland Project.
His development and newly acquired skills stood him apart from the other learners, so when project partner AJ Woodland
Management were looking for a seasonal worker, Tom’s potential and positive work ethic made him the ideal candidate for the job.
Community Learning Trust Manager Nikki Stearman said Tom had been on an incredible journey and last Friday’s ceremony was a fantastic moment.
“To have improved his social skills and personal confidence to a level where he confidently helps others and to have acquired the technical knowledge to accept employment with AJ Woodland Management is truly exceptional,” she added.
