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Suffolk Adult Learner Awards 2025
What are the Suffolk Adult Learner Awards?
The Suffolk Adult Learner Awards 2025 brought together inspiring people and organisations from across Suffolk. It was an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition.
Held in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the ceremony honoured the achievements of Suffolk’s adult learners through 18 award categories, each recognising a unique and valuable contribution to community life.
The evening was a moving reminder of the compassion, resilience, and determination that exists across Suffolk.
Kate Pickering, Winner of the Suffolk Adult Learner Awards 2025, Innovation in Learning Award (Sponsored by East Coast College)
We’re thrilled to share that Kate Pickering, Student Support Lead at WS Training, has won the Innovation in Adult Learning Award at the Suffolk Adult Learner Awards 2025.
This award recognises adult learning projects/courses that have taken new approaches to engaging learners and improving outcomes. Kate’s impact has been nothing short of transformational.
When being awarded, the speaker announced, “This nominee won the award because of her transformative leadership, tireless advocacy, and unwavering commitment to improving outcomes for all learners, especially those with additional needs. Over the past 2 years, she’s not only led the student support team at WS Training with compassion and purpose, but has also successfully campaigned for the team’s growth to better serve learners across Supported Learning Centres. Her learning centre approach ensures that even those hard-to-reach students receive the personalised support they need to thrive. Achieving her ILM level 5 qualification in 2024, she has continually developed her leadership to create inclusive, holistic, and effective systems of support. One of her most impactful contributions was leading the creation of WS Trainings Wellbeing Festivals, which have provided life-changing experiences for learners, many of whom were accessing support services for the first time and felt confident enough to complete live exams thanks to the safe and welcoming environment she fosters. Her efforts have directly influenced an impressive 98% retention rate for learners with EHCPs, re-engaged previously NEET learners, and shaped a pastoral support model that supports wellbeing, confidence, and academic success. She is a true role model. Her passion and drive continues to change lives, making her a deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations to our winner, Kate Pickering.”
What does Kate do?
Kate has led the Student Support team at WS Training for the past two years. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, learner inclusion, and a drive for the best possible outcomes.
There is so much that Kate does, but ultimately, she leads over 120 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and intervention meetings. As a departmental manager, she has a busy and important role ensuring that all learners have the best possible experience and support available to them.
A learner-centred approach
At the heart of Kate’s work is a commitment ensures that every learner, particularly those who are hard to reach, has access to tailored, meaningful support. Her approach has re-engaged many learners, including those who were previously Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), or had struggled in traditional educational settings.
Wellbeing Festivals
One of Kate’s most celebrated initiatives is the creation and delivery of the WS Training Wellbeing Festivals, held across all Supported Learning Centres.
The festivals introduced learners to vital local services in an engaging, accessible, and welcoming environment. Activities such as feeding a tortoise or receiving sensory-friendly items helped ease anxieties and build connections. Some learners accessed services for the first time, took resources home to share with their families, and felt more confident seeking help.
The results speak for themselves
With support from Kate and her team, some high-anxiety learners sat and completed live exams for the first time. This is a significant achievement that speaks volumes about their dedication and impact.
Kate’s influence is evident in the exceptional outcomes her learners achieve. Retention rates for learners with EHCPs are at an impressive 98%. This is a testament to the effective and compassionate pastoral support her team provides.
Kate says, “While my name may be on the award, I want to be clear that this recognition belongs to all of us. This nomination, and this moment, wouldn’t have been possible without the collective effort, creativity, and dedication that each of you brings to our work every day. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”
Her impact is evident in everything from improved learner retention to the exceptional pastoral support provided daily. Thanks to Kate and her team, learners are reaching outcomes that may not have been possible without their support.
Congratulations, Kate, and thank you for all that you do.
Mckenzie Smy, Winner of the Suffolk Adult Learner Awards 2025, Progression into Work Award
We are so proud of Mckenzie Smy, Further Education learner at WS Training, who has won the Progression into Work Award at the Suffolk Adult Learner Awards 2025.
This award recognises progress towards work, which can be daunting, but Mckenzie has taken incredible steps towards this.
When being awarded, the speaker announced, “Her confidence in social and educational settings was minimal, and interaction with peers was rare. Yet through consistent support, structured learning, and an environment that nurtured small wins. She began to believe in herself, achieving entry-level 3 qualifications in maths and English and progressing into a supported internship. Her turning point came during a hands-on hospitality course, where she found her voice through practical learning. Since then, she has thrived actively engaging in her cafe work placement, speaking confidently with customers, using the till, and supporting peers. Her communication skills, independence, and ambition has soured. She’s preparing for her driving test, actively job hunting, and remains focused despite setbacks. Her determination, tenacity, and transformation inspire everyone around her. This learner has not only developed academically and socially but has shown her acquired strength and progress that makes her truly deserving of this recognition. Her support network is immensely proud of her and how far she has come, and she is fully deserving of winning this award. Congratulations Mckenzie Smy”.
Who is Mckenzie?
Mckenzie is a Supported Intern at WS Training, having previously progressed through our supported learning programmes. Until this year, she was extremely reserved. Mckenzie presented as selectively mute, and chose not to engage in conversation unless directly spoken to by staff.
Her independence and ambition have flourished. Mckenzie is currently learning to drive and has a test booked for this summer. This is a personal goal she set and has worked towards with consistency and focus. Alongside this, she is actively searching for paid employment through online job platforms. She is approaching life beyond WS Training with determination and a clear sense of purpose.
Achieving her maths and English
Despite facing these initial barriers, Mckenzie began to make small but meaningful steps forward, supported by a structured and nurturing learning environment. With time, patience, and consistent encouragement, she successfully achieved her Entry Level 3 qualifications in both maths and English. This is an incredible milestone that highlights her perseverance and growing confidence.
Supported Internship
The turning point in Mckenzie’s development came when she enrolled in the Vocational Study Programme and completed the Hospitality. This hands-on, practical course allowed her to explore new skills in a low-pressure setting. As she gained experience in food preparation, customer service, and teamwork, her confidence steadily grew. She began taking initiative, joining group tasks, and expressing herself more openly with staff and peers.
Work placement
Mckenzie is completing a work placement at a local café, where her transformation has been remarkable. She is now actively engaging with customers, confidently using the till system, and contributing to food preparation and baking. Her communication skills have improved significantly. Mckenzie now initiates conversations, asks for help when needed, and even supports other learners who may be struggling. She has worked hard in her work experience placement to gain the skills and experiences she needs to succeed in life.
We are very proud of the journey Mckenzie has been on, and being able to witness her personal growth has been nothing short of amazing.
Mckenzie has a strong ambition to succeed, which we are absolutely sure she will.
Overall, it was a heartwarming event. Congratulations to Kate, Mckenzie, and all those who were nominated, shortlisted, and awarded. Your efforts continue to make Suffolk a better place for everyone.
