Inspirational Anne named Work-based Learning Practitioner of the Year

An inspirational work-based learning practitioner described by her employer as the “epitome of lifelong learning” has won a national award for her outstanding work.

Anne Reardon-James, 46, who lives in Barry, added the Work-based Learning Practitioner of the Year award to her collection at the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru 2024 awards ceremony held at ICC Wales, Newport.

She is a learning advisor with Panda Education and Training and delivers Apprenticeships in Learning and Development, in partnership with ALS Training. Anne has a thirst for knowledge which she shares to inspire her learners and colleagues in the post-16 learning network in Wales.

“This award is absolutely fantastic and a bit overhelming,” said Anne, who won the Learning and Work Institute Inspire! Tutor of the Year 2023 award for Work Skills last year. “It’s recognition of the work that we do with our learners in providing quality apprenticeships. I think my learners will be excited for me.

“I got into work-based learning later in life and it’s fantastic to be able to help mentor and support people to get through their barriers. I really love my job and am always trying different ways of delivery.”

Highlight of the year for apprentices, employers and work-based learning providers and practitioners, the Apprenticeship Awards Cymru are organised by the Welsh Government and supported by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW).

Headline sponsor this year was EAL, specialist skills partner and awarding organisation for industry. The awards highlight the outstanding achievements of employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners.

Currently working towards a Professional Doctorate in Education, Anne has an MA in Education, a PGCE, a degree in Behavioural Sciences and is a Fellow of SET, an Associate Fellow of the CIPD and HE Advance.

She has worked in post-16 education for 17 years, having taught adult literacy and numeracy in the community, delivered essential skills to employed learners and developed learning programmes for the probation and prison services.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Anne inspires learners by demonstrating teaching and learning techniques and approaches that they can utilise in their own practice.

She runs online training workshops using digital technology to enhance learning, holds monthly mentor meetings and provides in person tailored support to learners across Wales.

She is also an editor of the Research and Practices in Adult Literacies journal, publishes blogs, speaks at conferences and shares ideas, resources and good practice with online network groups.

Anne’s voluntary work includes teaching English to and supporting Ukrainian refugees in her own home, as well as shopping for and visiting housebound clients.

Al Parkes, managing director at EAL, said: “I would like to congratulate not just Anne and the other award winners, but all the employers, apprentices and work-based learning practitioners who were nominated.

“Showcasing their achievements is important as it inspires more people to consider apprenticeships and encourages more employers to take on apprentices.”

Chief Executive of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, Simon Pirotte OBE, said: “I want to congratulate all the finalists and winners. Stories like theirs drive home the high impact that apprenticeships can have, helping people to find fulfilling employment and contributing to Wales’ skills system. They will be a crucial part of the newly founded Commission for Tertiary Education and Research.”

For more information about recruiting an apprentice, visit: gov.wales/apprenticeships-genius-decision or call 03000 603000.

Image: Anne Reardon-James receives the Work-based Learning Practitioner of the Year award from Darren Howells, chief executive of sponsor Agored Cymru.