More than 150 guests gathered on Thursday 16 July for an evening of celebration, inspiration and recognition as Step2Skills marked the 10th anniversary of its Achievement Awards, honouring Hertfordshire residents who have overcome barriers to learning and employment and achieved remarkable personal success.

Since their launch, the Step2Skills Achievement Awards have celebrated the achievements of learners, participants, employers and partners whose dedication and determination have transformed lives through education, skills development and employment support. This milestone event marked a decade of empowering residents across Hertfordshire to build confidence, gain new skills and create brighter futures.

The ceremony recognised the achievements of 25 winners and runners-up across 12 award categories, showcasing powerful stories of determination, resilience and success. Guests included Deputy Lieutenant Marion Brown MBE JP, alongside senior representatives from local government, education, employment services and local businesses, all coming together to celebrate the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of individuals and organisations from across the county.

Celebrating perseverance and determination

Among those recognised was Lee Elmer, runner-up in the STAR Achiever of the Year Award category.

Lee was nominated by his Step2Skills Employment Adviser, who highlighted his unwavering commitment to securing paid employment. Throughout his journey, Lee consistently took the initiative, actively searching for opportunities, providing regular updates on his progress and approaching every challenge with a positive mindset. He further strengthened his skills through Step2Skills courses and enthusiastically embraced work tasters and personal development opportunities.

Along the way, Lee faced several challenges, including overcoming a lack of confidence and developing greater independence. A significant barrier was his anxiety around using public transport, leading him to set himself a clear goal: securing employment within walking distance of his home.

His determination paid off when he secured an opportunity at a local Iceland store just two minutes from home. Lee impressed at interview and secured a seasonal role working early morning shifts that suited him perfectly. His impact was immediate and, following the Christmas period, he was offered a permanent position in recognition of his outstanding performance. Since then, his confidence has grown significantly, and he takes immense pride in his work.

Lee's journey is a powerful example of perseverance, personal growth and commitment. On receiving his award, Lee gave an inspiring speech which included: "Despite a tough rough start, no matter what happens, you still get what you want as long as you persevere, I'm the end it’s not about the fall, it's how quickly you get up and how much further you can go."

He continued: "To me the achievement it's just the first step, I have much bigger goals. To everyone else, what you achieve now is also your first step, always continue striving for bigger goals."

STAR Achiever of the Year winner

The overall winner of the STAR Achiever of the Year Award was Elysia White. Elysia was nominated by Carla Marshallsay from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who shared her remarkable journey. Since joining the service in 2024, Elysia's drive, determination and potential have been evident. Throughout her training, she fully immersed herself in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the role, meeting every challenge with resilience and a determination to succeed.

Her journey has not been without difficulties. Having experienced a loss of confidence and time away from work, Elysia faced significant personal challenges. However, what defines her is not the obstacles she encountered, but the way she responded to them. She remained focused on her development, committed to improving and determined to move forward.

Following a move to a new station and watch, Elysia began to flourish. Supported by her colleagues, she rebuilt her confidence and developed into a positive, enthusiastic and highly capable firefighter. She became an integral member of her team, volunteering her support and actively contributing to those around her. Her Watch Commander described her transformation as remarkable, highlighting her growth from a quiet and under-confident individual into someone who actively contributes to decision-making, keeps colleagues informed and strengthens the entire team.

Elysia not only achieved her gateway assessment with confidence and skill, but also inspired those around her through her teamwork, dedication and leadership. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through perseverance, courage and self-belief. Today, she stands as a confident, capable and inspirational firefighter and an outstanding role model for others.

As Elysia White proudly received her award, she said: "Thank you so much for the award, it has been a tough journey but with the support of my family and my second family, my watch at the fire station, I get to keep serving and protecting the community of Hertfordshire by doing a job I love every day."

Transforming lives through learning and employment support

The evening highlighted the life-changing impact of skills development and employment support services, with award recipients demonstrating how determination, opportunity and the right support can unlock potential and create lasting change.

Alongside individual success stories, the awards also recognised the invaluable contribution of employers and delivery partners who work collaboratively with Step2Skills to support residents into learning, employment and greater independence.

Representatives from Step2Skills praised the determination and achievements of this year's winners and runners-up, noting that the awards not only celebrate individual success but also showcase the transformative power of learning to strengthen communities, improve wellbeing and support economic growth across Hertfordshire.

Deputy Lieutenant Marion Brown MBE JP concluded the evening. In her speech she said: "The stories that have been shared have been genuinely moving, each one has involved potential being unlocked and realised with long term benefits of access to further learning and employment as well as improved wellbeing due to barriers being broken down...."

"Your stories are real stories of transformation and of hope for the future and whether or not you are a winner or runner up, you move on from this a different person because of Step2Skills."

Thank you to the sponsors

The success of this landmark 10th anniversary event was made possible through the generous support of Step2Skills' sponsors. Step2Skills extends its sincere thanks to CGT Catapult, Morgan Sindall, John O'Conner, ESTU and Get Set UK for their ongoing commitment to supporting learning, skills development and employment opportunities across Hertfordshire. Their partnership helps create meaningful opportunities for residents to develop confidence, achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

As the programme celebrates its tenth year, the Achievement Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary people, partnerships and organisations making a difference across Hertfordshire every day.

For more information about the wide range of learning opportunities and employment support available through Step2Skills, visit www.step2skills.org.uk