City & Guilds Outstanding Achiever of the Year 2017
London’s iconic Kensington Roof Gardens was the setting for the prestigious ceremony this afternoon (June 15) to recognise individuals who have “overcome significant challenges” to achieve their goals and lecturers who have “gone the extra mile” to help their students achieve.
Dubbed as the “Oscars of skills education”, the Lion Awards marks the culmination of the Medals for Excellence awards programme, which dates back more than 100 years.
BBC breakfast and Celebrity MasterChef presenter Louise Minchin and managing director at City & Guilds Kirstie Donnelly hosted today’s ceremony.
Ms Donnelly said the “talent and commitment” shown by every one of this year’s nominees and winners in reaching for their goals “reflects exactly what the Lion Awards is all about”. “We, at City & Guilds, are honoured to have been a part of their journeys and delighted to have this opportunity to mark their achievements.”
Sandesh Naik picked up the award for outstanding achiever of the year – and Kirstie Donnelly commented that ‘It was so fabulous to hear the stories and there is no doubt Sandesh was the “winner” on a number of fronts’.