IT WAS all change for Sylvia Wright when her job altered and she was required to move from a secretarial role to being able to offer technical support.

Sylvia, of Grove Road, Basingstoke, won the Employee Learner of the Year category, sponsored by Wilding Butler.

Working for Foster Associates, a building services engineer consultancy based in Priestley Road, Basingstoke, 43-year-old Sylvia "cads-up" drawings, which means she works with computer-aided design.

Sylvia (pictured above) said she was "totally shocked" at receiving the award.

Speaking about her job, she said: "I was pushed into it really because the lady who used to do it suddenly left. I was going to be her assistant, but there was no-one else to do her role except me."

She enrolled on an AutoCAD course and embraced the challenge. Although Sylvia has not always found it easy going to college after a long day at work, she felt it was worth the effort.

She added: "I've really enjoyed the challenge of trying a new skill. The tutor has been very helpful and supportive."

"IT'S very nice to be acknowledged" was how runner-up Lora Gregory summed up her evening.

Since enrolling on computer courses at Chineham Learning Centre, Lora has completed City and Guilds 1 and 2, European Computer Driving Licence and ECDL Advanced Word and Advanced Spreadsheets.

Lora, who is from Mulberry Way, Chineham, has also completed the City and Guilds 740 Part 1, which is a teacher-training programme enabling her to become a tutor herself.

Her advice to anyone thinking of studying is "Give it a try - you have everything to gain".

STUDYING was no snip for runner-up Julian Pitt, who works for ARC hairdressing in Church Street, Basingstoke.

Julian's goal was to qualify as a hairdresser within three years, and he found that the NVQ Level 2 course also helped his communication skills and self-discipline.

The 27-year-old, of Branton Close, South Ham, Basingstoke, said: "I would suggest to anyone thinking about getting back into learning that it would be a good thing because it broadens your horizons and keeps life exciting."

His boss, Philip Robbins, said: "Julian has become a really good team player".