Donaghcloney woman scoops top skills award

Jennifer Gracey from Donaghcloney became this year’s Northern Ireland Trade Union Learner of the Year 2015 at the Essential Skills ceremony which took place at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University.

Congratulating all the winners Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry said: “It is a great pleasure to attend the Essential Skills awards ceremony each year, where I get to share in the success of today’s winners who serve as an inspiration to anyone wishing to improve their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. Essential Skills can be the key to opening up new opportunities, whether at work or in everyday life.”

Jennifer has overcome a number of obstacles in her life and returned to education as an adult to successfully achieve a Level 1 ICT and hopes to progress to Level 2. Jennifer is an Usdaw Union Learning Representative for Tesco in Lurgan and promotes learning opportunities in the store.

Jennifer said: “I have got the learning bug. I want to continue my Essential Skills ICT and gain a level 2 qualification. I intend to share my experience with my friends and colleagues and encourage them to return to education.”