The outstanding achievements of Kira Newey from Newtown College (part of NPTC Group of Colleges) was celebrated today as she was awarded the prestigious BTEC Award for Land-based Learner of the Year 2021.
Kira, who already owns a prize-winning Pedigree Clun Forest Sheep flock, has achieved top grades in her HND, is an agricultural lecturer at Newtown College and has recently progressed directly onto a Masters programme at Aberystwyth University. Her teachers say she was a pleasure to teach, and her classmates also benefited from her dedication and passion for her subject. Very aware of the speed of change within the agricultural industry, she chose to study a BTEC in order to further her knowledge and meet the challenges of farming in the 21st century.
Winner Kira Newey said: “I was so grateful for the nomination, and I feel extremely honoured and overwhelmed to be awarded BTEC Land-based Learner of the Year 2021. Gaining this award acknowledges my dedication and enthusiasm to the agricultural industry and the agricultural course and makes all my hard work much more worthwhile.”
Head of School for Catering, Hospitality, Agriculture & Horticulture Sue Lloyd Jones was delighted to hear of Kira’s win. She said: “We are delighted to hear Kira has won the Gold Land-Based Learner Award 2021 at the Global BTEC Awards. This is a very impressive achievement with millions across the globe studying on BTEC courses over the past year. Kira can really be proud of this accomplishment. She works very hard in her studies and as a lecturer with us at the College, always giving 100%. Kira shows great interest in new farming techniques and knows the importance of considering old and new farming practices. All the staff offer our sincere congratulations to Kira and look forward to continuing working alongside her here at Fronlas Farm, Newtown College.”
Cindy Rampersaud Senior Vice President for BTEC and Apprenticeships at Pearson, said: “2021 has been another extraordinary year for our BTEC learners, tutors, teachers, colleges and schools and I am delighted that today we are able to come together and celebrate this year’s winners – and all of the individuals who will be awarded a BTEC qualification this year. The hard work and commitment demonstrated by our award winners, all of whom have achieved great things during a time of unprecedented disruption, is extraordinary and I am proud we are able to celebrate their achievements.”
Outstanding learners, tutors, teachers, colleges, and schools saw their achievements recognised in the 11th annual BTEC awards ceremony, held online for the second year running due to coronavirus.
The ceremony was co-hosted by presenter of the United View, YouTube influencer and BTEC alumnus and ambassador, Flex and sports presenter and events host, Gemma Care. 19 category award winners were celebrated from around the UK and internationally in subjects such as Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Engineering, IT, Business and Sport.
Nearly a million learners across the globe completed BTEC courses over the past year; the career-focused qualifications are a vital route for those pursuing careers in sectors such as IT, business, the creative industries, healthcare, engineering, construction and future industries. This is especially important in the current context as the UK responds to the global pandemic and looks to kickstart projects to speed economic recovery.
