RNIB College Loughborough celebrated their 10^th Annual Employer Partnership Awards on Thursday 20 June 2013. The awards recognise organisations nationally who have helped College students and trainees with disabilities to find employment, work placements and gain other essential employment skills. The awards were presented by Peter Wheeler, former England international rugby player and Chief Executive of Leicester Tigers. Peter gave a powerful speech highlighting how perseverance and determination can bring success in many aspects of life and work.

This year's main award winner was Argos, based in Loughborough. The team at Argos have supported the same student on placement for the past 2 years. Initially, supported by a Learning Support Assistant, staff at Argos gradually, trained and supervised him to a level where he is now working independently. This is an incredible achievement and the student is now discussing the opportunity of applying for part-time work with Argos to support his studies. Thanks to the team at Argos, this work placement has made a real, positive difference to this student's future prospects and aspirations.

A Special Recognition Award was presented to Leicestershire Police who have a long-standing relationship with the College. This year again, they have provided tailored work placements and offered realistic advice and guidance on the interview process for our students.

The University of Northampton took home the Debut Award. They recently joined the employer partnership and have already provided site visits for adult trainees and panel members for mock interviews. They are in discussions with the Transition Team to further develop the relationship with RNIB College.

To celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the College's Employer partnership Awards, an additional award was presented to imago @ Loughborough and Loughborough University. The Continuing Commitment Award highlights the on-going support that imago and Loughborough University contribute to the College. They have provided work placements for our students every year since 2005 and have regularly participated in mock interviews. In addition, this year, Lindsey Brown, HR Adviser at Loughborough University, attended the College for a meeting with Ester McVey, the Minister for Disabled People. Lindsey was instrumental in explaining to the Minister how employment programmes for disabled people and the College's work with employers are beneficial to both the individual student and the company providing the support.

Alicia Wisehall, Curriculum Leader-Transitions commented "Once again we are delighted to hold this year's Employer Partnerships Awards. It is always good to see lots of familiar faces of employers who have supported our students over the years but this year we have been supported by many new employers and look forward to working with them in the future. I am in no doubt that without the support from our employer partners we would be unable to deliver an exciting and purposeful training programme to our students and we would not see so many of them moving onto employment or voluntary work."

If your organisation can help provide work placements or employment for young people and adults, or you would like more information about how you can help, please contact Alicia Wisehall on 01509 631 222