Students’ Voice Lukas Wins National Award
04 July 2012

MIDDLESBROUGH College student Lukas Chuchrowski has won a prestigious national award for making sure students’ views are heard and acted upon.

Lukas, 20, a first year Level 3 BTEC travel and tourism student, has been voted Learner Representative of the Year by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) after being shortlisted from hundreds of candidates.

Middlesbrough College Principal and Chief Executive Mike Hopkins said: “We are thrilled and incredibly proud that Lukas has won this award.

“Staff nominated him in recognition of his outstanding contribution and commitment to the Learner Voice Programme at Middlesbrough College, which makes sure students’ views are heard.

“We place a great importance on listening to constant feedback from our students, and Lukas has played a key part in making sure the voices of his peers are collected and acted upon, right through to senior management level.

Lukas has been a class and directorate representative on the College’s Student Council for two years, and he is also a dedicated Student Ambassador for the College and a peer mentor.

He gives up his time regularly to help out at open evenings, parents’ nights and taster sessions as well as visiting local schools to give young people an insight into what the College has to offer.

LSIS aims to accelerate quality improvement, increase participation and raise standards and achievement in the learning and skills sector in England. It organises the Leading the Learner Voice Awards with the National Union of Students.

Suze Clarke, Middlesbrough College Student Liaison Officer, attributes Lukas’ award success to his fantastic attitude and enthusiasm.

“He is pro-active, enthusiastic, and always willing to help and get involved in any way he can,” she said. “He has the ability to motivate others too, which makes him an excellent Student Rep and Ambassador.”

Lukas said he was shocked to have won the award, which was presented to him at a ceremony in London, and proud to be able to represent other students and Middlesbrough College.

“I’ve enjoyed getting involved with so much outside of my course - being a part of the Learner Voice has made me realise how much Middlesbrough College is doing to listen to its students,” he said.