Aspiration Awards 2023: Level 3 Learner of the Year – Diana Wiedemann

The Learner of the Year category recognises individuals who are developing themselves through vocational qualifications from NCFE and making positive improvements to their lives. This year, we wanted to celebrate more learners than ever before, so we introduced highly commended awards, including ‘Level 3 Learner of the Year’. The winner of this commendation is Diana Wiedemann, public services learner at West Lancashire College.  

A natural leader, collaborative classmate and keen volunteer, Diana has gone above and beyond to achieve her own goals and help others along the way, making her a deserving winner of this award.  

Diana joined West Lancashire College in September 2021 and is on track to achieve a Distinction* in the NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Entry to the Uniformed Services. Achieving distinctions in all units over the past two years (subject to verification from SV report) is an incredible achievement, but it doesn’t stop there! 

From the outset, her passion for teaching and aspiration to be a teacher, particularly working with high needs learners, has been evident. Additionally, she has also displayed a keen interest in the Fire and Rescue Service and worked locally for the Skelmersdale Fire and Rescue Service on a cadetship.  

During her cadetship, Diana gained experience in the services as a leader and community support worker. Her dedication, commitment and attitude while in this role earned her high praise and commendations.  

Alongside this, she has undertaken other volunteering activities, including working for The Canal and River Trust, on conservation preservation tasks, as well as assisting teachers at St. John’s Primary School. Throughout all the projects she was involved in at the school, Diana’s supervisors commented that she developed excellent organisational, communication and decision-making skills. She developed lesson plans and supported teachers with other duties, giving her extremely beneficial experience that will set her up for success at a university teaching course.  

Currently, Diana is doing some team teaching with her course team leader, gaining valuable experience before starting at Edge Hill University on a Special Needs Education and Education course at Edge Hill University, with the view to teaching in FE. 

Her efforts to go above and beyond don’t stop there, as she also takes part in extracurricular activities in college too. As an ambassador and member of the National College Group’s board, Diana is part of a group that aims to inspire excellence, spark curiosity and make an impact on learners and local communities. Diana is the first-ever ambassador from West Lancashire College to join the group. She is also a student governor and course ambassador, representing the college and her colleagues when attending meetings and acting as a voice for her peers.  

And if that isn’t enough, Diana supports college staff during open evenings and as school advisor during open events, and helps high-needs learners during classroom activities. The course team leader has praised Diana on multiple occasions for her support and commitment to learners.  

Diana’s course tutor, Mike Cooney, commented: “Diana is honest and trustworthy; qualities required for a career in teaching. Her attendance and punctuality are both excellent at 100%. She has excellent organisational skills and completes all assignments to an outstanding quality; to the highest level in the 30 years that I’ve been teaching at West Lancashire College.

“Diana is very popular with her peers and fellow lecturers. She has achieved her aspirational academic targets, completed valuable enrichment activities and has taken part in initiatives promoting equality and diversity throughout the college. She is a huge credit to herself, the college and our department. I’m delighted to hear that Diana has been awarded highly commended in the Learner of the Year award – a very well-deserved achievement!” 

Catherine Sezen, Interim Director of Education Policy at Association of Colleges and category judge, said: “Diana’s high-quality college work on her Public Services course and varied volunteering experiences will stand her in good stead going into teaching!” 

Congratulations Diana! To read more inspirational stories from this year's award winners and recipients, visit our Aspiration Awards 2023 page. 

Level 3 Learner of the Year 2023: Diana Wiedemann