Institute scoops two awards at prestigious ceremony

We are delighted to announce we have scooped two prestigious accolades at the 2019 Learning Technologies Awards.

The Grimsby Institute was commended on an “inspiring” use of simulations for learning and “energetic and imaginative” digital team at last night’s ceremony, before receiving a gold award for best use of simulations or virtual environments for learning and bronze for learning technologies team of the year.

We were also shortlisted for the best use of social and collaborative learning technologies at the gala ceremony, held at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.

The evening was hosted by comedians Deborah Frances-White and Siobhan McSweeney, with around 700 guests travelling from across the world to help celebrate the very best in learning technologies.

The ‘team of the year’ bronze award was accepted by the Institute’s Innovate team, led by Deborah Millar, Group Director of Digital Learning Technology.

Judges praised the “energetic and imaginative” team for achieving “widespread, deep changing enabling the Institute to deliver a world-class learning experience”.

“I’m so proud of my colleagues; a tiny team with a massive impact,” Deborah commented.

“I know the difference that technology can make for everyone. Technology can empower a learner to do something they’ve never done before, give them independence, or enable them to do something quicker, or a bit better, than they did before.

“At Grimsby Institute there’s a hugely positive culture around technology and I’m delighted that has been recognised on such a prominent stage.”

Our logistics training centre Modal Training was commended on its “inspiring” use of simulations for learning as part of the gold award.

Modal uses state-of-the-art simulators to provide a range of courses through its subsidiary organisations; driver, logistics and health and safety training at Transafe Training and engineering and navigation cadetships at Humber Maritime College.

The award submission showcased a whole-college approach to the use of simulator technology to increase social mobility, aid in job outcomes and support local employers.

It faced strong competition from national and international organisations such as Immerse and DHL, Universal Robots Academy, University of Reading, Make Real and Lloyds Banking Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Education and IsBank.

However, judges commended the Grimsby Institute and Modal for a “fantastic and inspiring” project, which features “some of the most worthwhile uses of VR and simulations”.

Hugh Callaway, Managing Director of Modal Training, said: “We are delighted to win this international and highly prestigious award.

“The simulation training we offer provides a risk free way of training, allowing novice candidates to experience scenarios that would be too dangerous to practice in a live situation.

“This enables them to gain hands-on experience in an environment as close to reality as possible. This form of training is both safe and cost effective, benefiting employers and employees.”