IF YOU know a mature student who deserves recognition for their commitment to learning, now is the time to put their name forward for this year's Basingstoke Adult Learner Awards.

Nominations for the annual awards are now open and over-18s with a sense of achievement are invited to apply.

Successful entrants in a total of nine categories will be honoured at a special ceremony at Basingstoke's Apollo Hotel on May 19.

Organised to coincide with the national Adult Learners' Week, categories in this year's awards include Senior Learner of the Year, Apprentice Learner of the Year, Train to Gain Learner of the Year and Higher Education Learner of the Year.

The Adult Learner Awards were established by Basingstoke College of Technology in 2003 to recognise the contribution that lifelong learning and the upgrading of skills makes to individuals as well as the workplace.

Beverley Flanagan, BCOT's assistant principal, business and communications, said: "The event is special as it brings together so many people who have achieved something.

"It shows how learning can change your life."

The Adult Learner Awards, which are open to all learners who live or study in the borough, are sponsored by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and supported by a variety of companies, including Clydesdale Bank, Skilz, Tenon, Gazette Newspapers and GL Print.

Winners will receive a certificate and £100 in prize money.

For an application form, or more details, telephone Jill Scuffham on 01256 306381 or log on to www.bcot.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is Friday, April 4.

Basingstoke Adult Learner Awards 2008 categories

  • Adult Learner of the Year - sponsored by Wilding Butler Construction Ltd
  • Train to Gain Learner of the Year - sponsored by Tektra Ltd
  • Senior Learner of the Year - sponsored by Research Machines (RM)
  • Apprentice Learner of the Year - sponsored by Tenon Group plc
  • Higher Education Learner of the Year - sponsored by the University of Winchester
  • Top Tutor of the Year - sponsored by Skilz
  • Professional Development Learner of the Year - sponsored by Clydesdale Bank