On February 7^th 2019, the Learning and Performance Institute hosted their annual Learning Awards with the aim to recognise outstanding examples of high standards, best practice, innovation and excellence in learning and development.

The team set off to the prestigious ceremony in London, finalists for two awards – ESS, for Learning Provider of the year and Michael Harcourt, known to his colleagues as ‘Micky’, for the Rising Star award.

Hosted by well-known TV personality, Claudia Winkleman, the 2019 Awards were live-streamed across the globe and attended by 450 guests and finalists from the learning industry.

A black tie event, the ceremony was held at the Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane in London.

Amongst global competitors, ESS were proud to be a finalist for the esteemed Learning Provider of the Year award; humbled by the exceptional vision and values of those whom took the gold, silver and bronze awards, we congratulate you, and look forward to entering again next year.

Rising Star Award – Silver

'Rising Star' is a new category in The Learning & Performance Institute award for an individual who has shown exceptional promise.

For our trainer and Rising Star finalist, Micky, it was tough competition and the judging criteria meant only candidates of the highest calibre entered. The award is presented to a person working in the learning industry, who has shown exceptional promise and made a significant impact.

The entrant had to be quite new to the industry – spending less than five years in it. The judges looked at the submissions and judged entrants based on evidence of creativity, innovation and rapid progression as a learning professional.

It gives us great pride to announce that Micky, won the Rising Star Silver Award.

Micky had to demonstrate to judges what differentiates him from other learning professionals at similar stages in their careers.

“I’m thrilled to have won the Rising Star Silver Award”, says Micky, “like all of the ESS team, I’m passionate about our industry and it’s my job as a trainer to be innovative and creative in my teaching delivery to cater for all types of learners so they can meet their own goals and embrace development.”

The head judge for the Rising Star award at LPI spoke fondly of our Micky, stating “[Micky] just missed out on gold with a silver and shared with us all of the challenges he encounters on a daily basis, he's determined and takes it in his stride, the words that stuck with me during his presentation is 'I want to ensure that anyone in the building trade gets home every night'.

Micky leads a team with incredibly high standards and passion. With a wealth of experience in adapting to a multitude of learners from all walks of life, Micky’s hands on practical approach is absolutely necessary for his teaching delivery. A true inspiration; commended by his peers, and championed by his learners.

Essential Site Skills, Training & Consultancy Director, Darren O’Neill said; “we are so proud of Micky and all of the hard work he has put in whilst at ESS. His passion for his profession shines through and he’s a great representative of our business and values”.

Essential Site Skills

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists at last night’s LPI Learning Awards. It was a wonderful evening and a pleasure to be amongst all the shortlisted finalists who have demonstrated exceptional performance and contribution to the learning profession.