Paul scoops top learner award

A catering assistant at a Telford care home who started working there as a volunteer has been named as one of Shropshire’s most dedicated learners.

Paul Clarke began volunteering at Chillcott Gardens in Madeley six years ago after being made redundant from his factory job and being unable to find work.

Two years later he was taken on as a part time kitchen assistant and has worked his way up to become a catering assistant in the Coverage Care complex.

Paul, who is 50 and lives in Hadley, is close to completing his NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Food Production and Cooking through North Shropshire College. He was nominated and won the title of Food Prep Star Apprentice by his assessor Alison Phillips in the college awards.

Carol McPherson, manager of Chillcott Gardens, said the award was well deserved.

“I have never met anyone who has shown more dedication and determination than Paul to progress. It is really nice to meet someone who is so keen to work their way up and is enjoying their role,” she said.

“Paul has worked really hard to get on and build a positive future for himself after being made redundant. He has gone into a completely different career and faced learning new skills.”

Carol added: “Paul is now completing important qualifications such as food and hygiene certificates and infection control via e-learning which is also a milestone as he had never been near a computer before. We are very proud of him.”

Paul said: “I am really pleased to have won the award for most dedicated learner – the only certificate I’ve ever had before is one for football!

“I am really grateful to Coverage Care for giving me the opportunities it has.”