Learner of the Year Award
The Scottish Union Learning Board introduced the Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award in 2011, with the aim of recognising the range of learning journeys currently undertaken by learners in the workplace, supported by trade unions.
2026 Learner of the Year Award
The recipient of the Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award 2026 is Sara Hamilton, a member of Bectu (a sector of Prospect).
Trade union-led learning has the power to change lives in ways that extend far beyond the completion of any single course. At its best, it provides individuals with the confidence, support, and skills they need to unlock new career pathways, transform their working lives, and inspire others. Few journeys illustrate this more clearly than the learning path taken by Sara Hamilton, whose determination, resilience, and commitment to her craft make her an outstanding candidate for this award.
2025 Learner of the Year Award
The recipient for the Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award 2025 was Sean Paul Gracie, a member of the Community trade union.
The annual award, presented by First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer at the 2025 STUC Congress in Dundee on 28th April, celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s trade unionist workplace learners. This year the award was sponsored by TUC Education in Scotland.
Sean Paul, who works for Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi), seized the top prize after completing literacy, numeracy and manufacturing courses.
2024 Learner of the Year Award
The recipient for the STUC Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award 2024 was RMT member Ross Henderson.
The annual award, presented by First Minister Humza Yousaf at the 2024 STUC Congress in Dundee on 16th April, celebrates the achievements of Scotland’s trade unionist workplace learners. This year the award was sponsored by TUC Education in Scotland.
After joining Scotrail as a Customer Service apprentice, just after lockdown had ended in 2020, Ross undertook a range of new union-provided courses including one on deaf awareness. This is particularly important given the noisy environment often found in major train stations.
2023 Learner of the Year Award
The recipient of the 2023 Learner of the Year Award was Fadzai Mwakutuya, a member of the Scottish Artists Union (SAU).
Artist and union activist, Fadzai Mwakutuya, received the Scottish Union Learning Learner of the Year Award at the STUC Annual Congress in Dundee. The award recognised Fadzai’s achievements in undertaking SAU learning courses, as well as her integral role in co-founding the SAU’s Intersectional Subgroup. Fadzai has represented the SAU on STUC business, such as attending the Black Workers’ Conference, and the Women’s Weekend School. The award was presented by First Minister Humza Yousaf. This year the award was sponsored by The Open University in Scotland.
2022 Learner of the Year Award
The recipient of the 2022 Learner of the Year Award was Joan Tasker, a member of Unite the Union.
The Scottish Trades Union Congress, which held its annual Congress in Aberdeen, awarded Joan with Learner of the year, recognising her achievements in union learning within the past year. SAMH worker Joan, who documented her struggle with dyslexia, has completed over 50 online learning courses through Unite the Union’s union learning programme. The award was presented by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
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Learner of the Year Award 2026 - Nomination Form
Union Rep Awards 2026 Guidance