Annual Awards for Achievement 2008

Award_For_Personal_Achievement (25+)

Runner Up - George Knight

George Knight from Hastings, has been chosen as runner-up for an Achievement Award from national employment charity Tomorrow's People.

The Tomorrow's People Annual Awards for Achievement pays tribute to people who have overcome significant barriers in their quest to get into work. George attended the awards ceremony at Plaisterers' Hall, London on Wednesday 12th November. He has been selected as runner-up in the category 'Award for Personal Achievement (25+) which recognises individuals who have overcome personal difficulties to get into employment, education or training.

When his son was just 18 months old, George was left struggling to manage full-time work with full-time childcare responsibilities. He was subsequently made redundant which made matters even worse, and unable to pay the mortgage. had his house repossessed.

Undaunted George managed to secure housing, but found that part-time work which he needed in order to care for his young son, proved elusive, particularly once employers realised he was a lone parent. George lacked support, and found that the system was much more geared up to supporting lone mothers than lone fathers.

George came to Tomorrow's People in Hastings in 2007, feeling very low and with little self-esteem, however, his sense of humour and gritty determination shone through. George was keen to learn new skills, and wanted to so something which involved his love of the countryside, so was overjoyed when he was offered a place at Plumpton Agricultural College on the BCTV Chainsaw course. After successfully completing the course George was awarded an NVQ in Tree Felling, Chainsaw and Environment, and a City & Guilds in Chainsaw Practice.

George then applied for positions which allowed him to use his new qualifications. He was successful in gaining funding which allowed him to purchase the chainsaw equipment and protective clothing allowing him to set up his own business. George has had his business cards and advertising fliers printed, and is sorting out transport to enable him to offer his services to a wider geographical clientele.