Enterprise for Education (E4E) have announced three winners as part of the recent Derby City Raising Aspiration Awards which celebrate the success and achievements of schools, employers, and individuals in the local area.

As part of the awards, E4E selected three employer volunteers for the Volunteer of the Year Award, two of which were Derby City Council employees.

Claire Hollingshurst from Lubrizol was awarded Best Business Engagement Lead while Bronia Smith Wilson, a Facilities Compliance Officer won the award for Best Newcomer, and John Augustin, a Community Care Worker was selected for the Overall Contribution award.

Bronia Smith Wilson, said:

I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to work with E4E in the great work that they do with the young people of Derby.  Even if I can make a difference to one young person in terms of encouraging their drive and motivation to be the best they can and to open their minds to different opportunities that they could try then it is worth it.

E4E is a Derby based partnership that links employers with students to present them with real world opportunities and valuable insight. E4E use their available resources to inform students of career opportunities in addition to advising how to enhance existing skills or learn new ones. By engaging with employers, students can get a head start in what to expect from future careers, interviews and what skills may be desired upon leaving education.

Yvonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services at Derby City Council said:

We are so proud and grateful to our Business volunteers who give their time and expertise so willingly to help our young people.  It was a fantastic evening celebrating both our young people and our volunteers.

John Augustin said:

It was an absolute honour to receive an award for being a part of a young person’s journey towards them becoming the best that they can be in whatever field they choose.

I believe in young people and as I often tell them “Yes You Can…"

For more information on the awards visit the Enterprise for Education Website.