Liam Harrowsmith wins prestigious Bronze BTEC Award for IT & Computing Learner of the Year 2021

The exceptional achievements of Liam Harrowsmith, a Level 2 Computing student at Scarborough TEC, were celebrated recently when he was awarded the prestigious Bronze BTEC Award for IT & Computing Learner of the Year 2021

Liam, 16, was nominated by Programme Leader, Richard Uttley, because of his tenacity and willingness to help and support others led to outstanding BTEC results.

Richard explained: “Liam was just so dedicated to his course the whole time. Even when he had completed his own work he would always help others. I’m delighted that Liam has been recognised for this award, it’s a huge honour when you think how many computing and IT students there are in the UK studying for a BTEC qualification.”

Liam’s hard work and dedication was celebrated at the 11th anniversary of Pearson’s annual BTEC Awards hosted online.  Liam commented: “I really want to study cyber security and I came to Scarborough TEC because I’m interested in web coding and design and the course looked really interesting. I want to work at GCHQ.

“I’ve enjoyed the whole experience of being on the course; the PC building and web design. The facilities are nice and they have top spec PCs and different rooms that are designed really well.  I was shocked and speechless when I found out I’d been nominated and then actually won the award. It feels like my hard work has been rewarded.

Liam’s Mum, Angela Gray, added: “I’m super-proud of Liam. It just shows how much work he has done and put into his qualification. He’s always liked computers, most children do, but he’s always been good with IT.

“We looked around other colleges and came to Scarborough TEC for an open event. We just found the best facilities were at Scarborough TEC.  It’s lovely to see that Liam has picked the right course and college to get him where he wants to be.”

The awards were 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.

BTEC alumni including Academy Award-winning producer and Head of Film and Animation at ScreenSkills Gareth Ellis-Unwin, entrepreneur and founder of SB.TV Jamal Edwards MBE, and award-winning actress Lucy Fallon were among those also presenting awards.