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 28^th 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.

Commenting, Sean Paul Gracie said, “I still can’t believe I won this award. I used to find learning really hard and I didn’t feel confident, but the support I’ve had from my union and Tutor at RSBi has helped me so much.

“The classes made me feel included and I began to really enjoy learning for the first time and became more confident. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I hope this shows other people who feel the same as I did about learning, that with the right support they can achieve anything they put their mind to.”

Commenting, STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said, “I pass on my warmest wishes to Sean Paul and thank him sincerely for his work to our movement. He’s a complete credit to not only himself and his family, he is a real positive example of the benefits of union-led workforce development and the role of our Union Learning Reps.

“It’s clear that, despite challenges to his learning, he has broken down barriers and overcome huge challenges which often keep workers from achieving their learning goals. It is only fitting that he has been recognised by the First Minister and our entire trade union movement for his dedication to his fellow workers. We wish Sean Paul all the best for the future.”

Commenting, Wendy Burton, Director of Scottish Union Learning, said, “We congratulate Sean Paul in receiving this Award. Sean Paul has undertaken an incredible learning journey throughout the last few years, overcoming challenges and significantly increasing his skills and confidence.

“His journey demonstrates the opportunities available through union-led learning, the support that can be provided by unions, in particular, Union Learning Reps, and how improving everyday skills such as literacy and numeracy can build foundations for further learning. His achievements to date are admirable and we wish him well as he continues on his learning journey.”

Watch Sean Paul’s story in the Scottish Union Learning’s Learner of the Year Award short film here: