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. The Learner of the Year Award 2023 was sponsored by The Open University in Scotland and presented at STUC Congress.

Learner of the Year Award 2023

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.

Learner of the Year 2022

First Minister presenting the Learner of the Year Award to Joan Tasker of Unite the Union

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.

Learner of the Year Award 2020

LOTY 2020: Barry Young, a member of Unite the Union

The recipient of the 2020 Learner of the Year Award was Barry Young, a member of Unite the Union.

Barry, who works in Kilmarnock as a painter in Housing Asset Services for East Ayrshire Council, received the 10^th Annual Learner of the Year Award from the STUC at the Scottish Union Learning Everyday Skills Conference, which took place online on 25 February 2021. The Award was presented by Wendy Burton, Director of Scottish Union Learning.

Barry was chosen as 2020 Learner of the Year for his commitment both as a learner and as an advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. His learning journey began when he was elected as a workplace ULR, and subsequently Shop Steward and Health & Safety rep.

Learner of the Year Award 2019

The recipient of the 2019 Learner of the Year Award was Jena Hunter, a member of the BECTU Sector of Prospect.

Jena was chosen as 2019 Learner of the Year because of her commitment to her continuing learning journey through union learning. To expand her skillset and grow her professional experience, Jena has undertaken a range of BECTU Vision short training courses, including Scottish Mental Health First Aid and the accredited Managing Safety in Film and Television Productions.

Learner of the Year Award 2018

Isabella Sutherland, 2018 Learner of the Year. Photo by Fraser Band.

Isabella Sutherland, a member of Unite the Union who works in Aberdeen as a Heli-pad administrator for Aramark in the offshore catering sector, received the 8th Annual Learner of the Year Award from the STUC at the 11th Annual Scottish Union Learning Conference in Clydebank, Glasgow on Tuesday, 13 November 2018. The Award was presented by Ivan McKee MSP, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation.

Isabella was chosen as 2018 Learner of the Year because of her commitment both as a learner and as an advocate for adults returning to learning in the workplace.

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