The exceptional achievements of Jhalak Limbachia, Harriet Trendall-Allen, Maya Olwen Ball and Matthew Burrow from East Surrey College in Redhill, Surrey, have been recognised in the National BTEC Awards 2022.
Jhalak, Harriet and Maya received Silver Awards in the Science Learner of the Year category and Matthew was awarded Bronze in the Public Services Learner of the Year category.

The BTEC Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates the hard work and dedication of BTEC learners, tutors, teachers, schools, and colleges around the world. Ahead of the event, tutors put forward the names of students who they think have shown outstanding commitment to their course, support for their peers, or dedication to their career goals.

Award winners were recognised by Pearson in over twenty categories, including Health and Social Care, Engineering, Science, Music, Sports, Public Services and Creative Media, with each winner selected from thousands - and often tens of thousands - of eligible students. 

Jayne Dickinson, Chief Executive of Orbital South College Group, commented:
"This year has been another extraordinary year for our BTEC students, tutors, and teachers as we celebrate their successes, hard work and commitment. The transition from online learning to classroom learning has been second to none with staff going above and beyond to aid students in reaching their full potential. These awards could not have gone to more deserving candidates - many congratulations to all."

Lindsay Pamphilon, Principal of Orbital South Colleges, added:
"We are extremely proud of all our students who were nominated and recognised with BTEC awards, a true testament to their determination and hard work. The class of 2022 has been extremely resilient, with students adapting to the challenges the country has faced, whilst also grabbing opportunities with both hands."

Freya Thomas Monk, Senior Vice President for Vocational Qualifications and Training at Pearson, said: "After two long years spent giving or receiving lessons behind a computer screen, through face masks, or socially distanced, 2022 has been a whirlwind for everyone involved in education. Considering this, it makes the inspiring achievements of these students all the more impressive. The hard work and commitment they - and all our award winners - demonstrated is extraordinary." 

Hundreds of thousands of learners across the globe have completed BTEC courses over the past year. The career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. Many of these industries, such as health and social care, engineering, and IT and computing, are suffering from chronic staff shortages and skills gaps, which this year's cohort of graduates - whether they were Award winners or not - will be more than equipped to fill.