IT'S a sector that employs 600,000 people. Without them millions of teenagers would not be able to continue with their education after leaving school at 16.

And men and women returning to study, enjoying a hobby or learning a new skill would have fewer adult education courses to choose from.

Yet until now there has been no way of publicly recognising the achievements of the teachers, lecturers and support staff who work in England's further education colleges.

That's all changing with the Star awards, which are designed to reward people working in the 16 to 19-year-old sector who have shown dedication, innovation, inspiration, creativity and excellence.

Nominations are open to teaching and non-teaching staff in recognition that everyone has a vital role to play in the smooth day-to-day running of college life.

Dozens of receptionists, caretakers, cleaners, creche workers, technicians and librarians have been put forward by their colleagues.

The Department for Education and Skills is overseeing the awards programme which has already seen a healthy set of nominations for two Hampshire colleges - Tauntons College in Southampton and Fareham College.

Secretary of State for Education Charles Clarke said: "There are many unsung heroes working as teachers, trainers, support staff or managers in the learning and skills sector. Every day they make a difference to the quality of learning that six million learners receive."

Pam Robertson, Fareham College's deputy principal is pleased with the 17 nominations at the college.

"We are delighted that so many staff have been nominated as Stars and believe that we are very fortunate to have such a large number of committed and dedicated individuals who want to go the extra mile."

Nationwide hundreds of nominations have been submitted. Next month judges will draw up a shortlist of 150 names they believe to be most deserving of an award.

They will then spend the four months from June to September visiting the workplace of each shortlisted nominee. The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony to be held in London on October 12 for three different categories; teaching staff, managers and support staff.

One of the men behind the awards is Dr Richard Williams who has worked in further education for the last 15 years.

A history teacher and vice-principal of New College in Pontefract, Dr Williams is one of the members of the Star Awards Taskforce.

"When people think of awards for people in education they automatically think of teaching awards," he said.

"This is an opportunity for all staff working in the post-16 sector who are sometimes forgotten to be recognised for their achievements."

Anyone who is nominated must work in England in a place that is not a school or university.

Their organisation or workplace, or programme they help to deliver, must either be fully or partly funded by the Learning and Skills Council.

TWO OF THE CONTENDERS:

Graeme Kiloh, premises manager at Tauntons College, Southampton

GRAEME joined Tauntons five years ago after working as an engineering production manager.

He originally started out as the college's workshop technician, but was quickly promoted to estates manager and health and safety adviser.

Now he is responsible for the wellbeing of 250 staff, 1,700 students during the day and the 1,200 students who attend evening courses.

His boss Julie Hall, the college's personnel and administration manager, nominated him for a Star award.

"His star quality was immediately apparent from the start," she said.

"He continually works over and above the call of duty giving his all to Tauntons College."

Describing one reason why she nominated Graeme for an award she told how he waited at the college until 2am for the return of a coach that had got stuck in snow.

"He then ferried each student home individually despite treacherous roads. He was in college bright and early the next morning with a smile on his face," she said.

"He is truly a megastar."

For modest Graeme the nomination is a huge honour, although he says he is a bit embarrassed about the accolade.

"I am overwhelmed and quite speechless," he said.

"It's a job I thoroughly enjoy. It's a friendly environment and everyone is dedicated to their jobs.

"The work certainly keeps me on my toes."

CARL GROVES, Fareham College

PRINCIPAL Carl Groves took over the college in September 2002 and has already made his mark.

He has introduced more vocational courses, streamlined the college's management structure and improved staff morale, according to nominator Karl Goatley.

"He is the kind of leader that inspires others. He is such a good manager and has been able to change lots of things within the college in such a positive way.

"As a result the staff feel there have been good tangible improvements across the college," said Mr Goatley, the college's computer services manager.

Mr Goatley described how Mr Groves had managed to attract more student applications to the college since his arrival.

"The further education sector is like any other type of business with fierce competition for students.

"Carl has improved and extended the number of vocational courses and made improvements to the student common room and library.

"From a management point of view the overall structure is a lot simpler and there is an air of clarity about everything we do.

Mr Groves said: "I am very chuffed to be nominated. I am the fourth principal at the college in ten years and I want to provide stability.

"You cannot provide stability in 18 months but you can bring long-term solutions that are in the interest of the college.

"We are very confident about what we have to offer the community of Fareham and Gosport."