St Mary’s Students Recognised at Voluntary Work Placement Awards

Students from St Mary’s University, Twickenham have been recognised at this year’s Voluntary Work Placement Awards.

The awards, which were sponsored by Surrey County Cricket Club and London Villa, recognise and reward students who participate in unpaid placements and acknowledge the quality of their work and the contribution they make to local organisations.  The event, which was attended by students, employers and staff also celebrated the high quality opportunities placement providers give to St Mary’s students. 

The ceremony, which was hosted by the University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Francis Campbell, saw seven different awards handed out to students who excelled during their placements and one awarded to the Outstanding Placement Provider.

The placements enhance the students’ experience, allowing them to relate their learning at St Mary’s to the reality of the work environment, develop and improve their skills, prepare them for future careers and make a positive impact on the organisations and communities in which they work.

Director of St Mary’s Centre for Workplace Learning Liz Coombs, said, “It was a great privilege to celebrate with our students and to showcase their achievements.  The importance of their learning from experience, with the support of our wonderful partners in business and the community cannot be underestimated.”

Partnerships Sport & Health Performance Services Manager at St Mary’s Julia Baillie, said, “I had the pleasure of shortlisting for the award, whilst reading through all of the nominations I was incredibly impressed by the high level of commendation. It is especially gratifying to hear from our partners how exceptional our students are and how they have exceeded expectations.”

The full list of winners:

Values Award – Gregory Echegwo (BA Theology & Religious Studies)

Knowledge Transfer Award – Richard Fernando (BSc Strength & Conditioning Science)

Professional Conduct Award – Hanna Kiani (BA Business Management)

Excellence Award – Ellouise Walker (BA Business Management)

High Flyer Award – Will Minton (BA Business Management)

Innovation Award – Fran Silver (BSc Strength and Conditioning Science)

Most Improved Award – Abi Silverthorne (BA Professional and Creative Writing)

Outstanding Placement Provider Award – London Scottish FC, for providing an outstanding opportunity for enhancing learning, applied experience and for supporting and embracing the student as part of their team/organisation.