Delroy Ogiste (left) and Natasha McDonald (third from left) with Arlene Phillips OBE and Edge Chairman, Lord Baker 

Two learners from the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London have each scooped a top award at an event honouring the very best further education students from across the country.

Performing Arts learner Delroy Ogiste and Plumbing Apprentice Natasha McDonald received their prizes at the flagship event for 23 June’s VQ (Vocational Qualification) Day, held at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls.

Delroy received his ‘Industry Insider’ Award from entertainment icon Arlene Phillips OBE, who had helped to judge the entries and pick Delroy as the winner. The award identifies Delroy as ‘one to watch’ in the arts and entertainment field, and he will now benefit from a one-to-one coaching session with Arlene as well as a work experience placement that forms part of his prize.

Delroy said: “I'm thrilled to win the VQ Day Industry Insider Prize.  Getting to work with experts in the entertainment industry and learn from icons like Arlene Phillips is such an amazing opportunity.  The entertainment industry is one of the toughest to break into and I know this prize will be invaluable to my career by providing a foot in the door that so many students desperately want."

Delroy, who gained a double distinction on his BTEC National Certificate in Performing Arts, will take up a place on a degree course at the prestigious Regent’s College in September. He used his acceptance speech to thank the College for its support and direction, singling out his tutor Mark Spillane, whom he described as ‘inspirational’.

Following on from Delroy’s success was Natasha McDonald, an outstanding plumbing apprentice who already has two College Excellence Awards and an Adult Learners Week Award to her name. Having already been announced before the VQ Day event as the VQ Learner of the Year for London (over 25), she was delighted when she was confirmed as the overall winner for the entire country. “It’s brilliant to get this award,” she said. “I’m so happy to have got this award for doing something that I just really love doing. It’s great to see that people like me who work hard to learn a trade are being recognised.”

Natasha completed an NVQ Advanced Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship at the College in 2009, and works for Homes for Haringey, renovating the borough’s social housing stock. Homes for Haringey’s Chief Executive, Paul Bridge, said:  “This is fantastic news.  We are very proud of the dedication and commitment Natasha has shown throughout her apprenticeship. This award adds to the growing list of accolades Natasha has so far received.”  

The College’s principal Paul Head was present at the event to see Delroy and Natasha receiving their awards. “I’m so proud of both of them,” he said. “They are fantastic examples of the power of vocational learning to change lives, and they fully deserve all the praise they have had.”

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About VQ Day - 23 June 2010
Last year 4 million people gained a vocational qualification and millions more will achieve similar success this year. This vocational achievement is celebrated every June on VQ Day, a date fast becoming a fixture in the education calendar.

23 June 2010 was the third VQ Day - a celebration of the people who gain vocational qualifications every year. By working with partner organisations across the UK, VQ Day is raising the stature and demonstrating the benefits of practical and vocational qualifications to future learners, employers, opinion formers and the wider public.

• Official website: www.vqday.org