Standout students who performed above and beyond expectations had their hard work recognised at the Tees Valley CIPD Student of the Year Awards.

The annual event, which this year took place at Stockton Riverside College, is organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to highlight the achievements of some of the region’s top performing learners.

Emma Barugh, joint chair of the CIPD Tees Valley branch, said: “The student awards recognise those who have not only completed CIPD courses with a high level of academic achievement, but also shown dedication, professionalism and proven themselves real team players.”

Six students were awarded with certificates and trophies on the night, including Stockton Riverside College students Jenna Santos Wood and Karrie Roberts.

Jenna, pictured left, who completed the CIPD Level 5 Intermediate Certificate in Human Resource Management, said: “I was quite surprised when I heard that I had won the award but of course really pleased.”

The 27-year-old from Hartlepool decided to enrol on the course after making a career change from retail to Human Resources. “I knew that I wanted to work in HR so I started as an apprentice with Thirteen,” she said.

Keen to build on those skills she embarked on the Level 5 qualification in her own time. Now Jenna is working as a HR graduate with the social housing organisation.

Also shocked but delighted to receive a Student of the Year award was Karrie Roberts, 44, from Ingleby Barwick, pictured right. She completed the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Human Resource Practice at the College.

Working in HR administration at welding and engineering specialist, QA Weld Tech, she chose the course because she wanted to update and enhance her knowledge.

She said: “Over the last few years the company has really expanded and I wanted to move with it.”

Describing the return to the classroom as initially daunting Karrie rose to the challenge.

Having received her award in front of an audience of industry professionals she said: “I was a bit taken aback as to why I was selected but I still feel grateful to have had my hard work recognised.”

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