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A touch of Hollywood glamour was brought to The Source in May when it celebrated its 5th Birthday. The event included guest speakers along with an awards ceremony hosted by TV personality Georgey Spanswick.
Since opening in 2003, The Source has received over 350,000 visits, provided training to over 2,000 people and supported 180 employers. The celebration event was to give thanks to the learners, employers and supporting businesses over the past 5 years.
The event was opened with a welcome speech from The Source Director, Ann Cadman, who said " It has been an amazing journey so far and with teamwork and true partnership so much has been achieved".
The Source is set to become a National Skills Academy for Retail (NSA), subject to ministerial approval, in partnership with Skillsmart Retail. Jane Rexworthy, Project Director for NSA, was there to support the event and gave testimony to the huge difference that The Source has made to the retail sector already. Jane added that the vision was to have many more centres like The Source around Great Britain in the not too distant future.
Emotional testimonies were given by learners that have been on programmes delivered by The Source from 16 year old Sam Bailey from the schools programme to 65 year old Judith Lindley from the Train2Gain programme. Both learners are embarking on a career in retail, which just goes to show, you're never to young or old to learn.
Awards were presented to learners that have shown outstanding commitment, motivation and determination to achieve their qualifications. Some have overcome personal barriers and, in the face of adversity, grown in confidence and, above all, self-belief during the course of their programmes.
The Source also recognised the support of local community groups and retailers by presenting awards to Burngreave and Darnall Community Groups and retailers such as Topman/Topshop, Boots, USC, Atkinsons and Argos.
30 Awards were presented throughout the course of the event all of which were much deserved. A special Life Changing award was presented to Joe Mappin who has supported the training delivered by The Source during the past 5 years.
By the end of the afternoon there were tears of emotion and joy, but most of all smiling faces. Ann Cadman closed the event by adding "It has been wonderful to hear first hand from people that have been on programmes and what a difference it has made to their lives."
