TUTORS at a town college have made it to the final of a national award.

April Inglis and Richard Carter of Eastleigh College are both through to the Learning Technology Award (LTA) final.

The awards, which will be concluded on November 17 recognises commitment, enthusiasm and passion for learning technologies.

April and Rich were both selected in different categories for the same reason; because of their innovative use of the limited learning technologies available to them to help their 16-19 learner cohorts succeed during a year of Covid-19.

They join a shortlist of organisations including Scottish Enterprise, National Police Chiefs' Council, Health Education England, UN World Food Programme, and Imperial College Business School.

April Inglis, Employability and Enterprise Tutor, is responsible for the design and implementation of a programme that uses digital tools to transform the delivery of pastoral tutorials.

She said: "Our tutors know how to teach online, maintain pace and ensure learning objectives are met. But lockdown challenged learners massively, with young men in particular suffering with mental health issues. How could staff keep a pastoral eye on some very isolated young people?"

Richard Carter, Chef Lecturer, added: "Lockdown was an industry-wide challenge and forced the team to adopt a different approach. Travel and workshops were restricted, and practical hands-on techniques had to be taught remotely.

"This hit us hard because we aim to provide students with an advanced understanding of the industry and elevate their ambitions with a high level of enrichment activities including hands-on engagement with food suppliers, restaurants and hotels."

The LTA awards ceremony takes place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

Pete Joddrell, Deputy Principal said: “We are very proud of both staff to be nominated, the pandemic presented us with so many challenges and we are delighted that some of the many initiatives that were put in place during the pandemic are being recognised."