Page 17 - Flaming Cauldron – Issue 56

ACC ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Sion Farrell, finalist in female managers in the workplace. Mr Sion Farrell,
the Festival of Learning the CPD centre Quality Assurance Co-ordinator,
Awards 2020
has won awards at the RLC Foundation and Festival
of Learning events and Pte Valdez, a member of
the British Army Culinary Arts Team (BACAT),
is a finalist in the BAME Apprenticeship awards.
As we look forward to 2021, all of us in FSTW
are hoping that events such as Joint Caterer and
Army Sustainer can return and give our fantastic
chefs the chance to show off their amazing skills.

Army chef delivering apprenticeship
support globally is finalist in national

learning awards

Sion Farrell – who has supported thousands of colleagues around the
world – is recognised for his achievements.
A chef from Holbury, Hampshire – who has been working with
the British Army for over 27 years – has received a national award
after supporting over 5,000 learners.
Sion Farrell is employed by the Army Catering Training Trust to
deliver apprenticeship support to chefs in the British Army.
Sion provides support to military chefs across the UK and around
the world. In addition to supporting apprentices, and teaching hos-
pitality and customer service qualifications, Sion delivers courses in
training, quality assurance and assessment, to help colleagues pass on
their skills to other members of the forces.
and trainees. New ways of working and instructing
Sion established a link with a London college to provide a distance
were developed to allow for social distancing and
learning programme for military chefs. This has now developed into
our courses had to undergo significant changes.
a Bachelors degree programme available to service personnel across
Student numbers and course lengths were reduced,
the world.
however, the number of courses had to increase in
Sion has been recognised as a Finalist in the Festival of Learning
order to deliver the required number of trained
2020 awards for his commitment to teaching and continuing profes-
students. It was a big ask but ultimately achieved
sional development.
by all available personnel, from across all three
Organised by Learning and Work Institute, and supported by the
Services and the Civil Service, stepping in to cover
Department for Education, Festival of Learning is an annual cam-
for those who were having to isolate.
paign which aims both to celebrate the power of learning to transform
Staff and students alike have shown a great
lives, and to encourage more adults to take part.
deal of resilience and character in embracing the
‘new normal’, but arguably none more so than Sgt Finalist, Sion Farrell, said: ‘I want to support those who are following
Shaine Ryland-Gasher who was presented with a in my footsteps. My motivation is seeing individuals achieve, especially

1 commendation by Commandant DCLPA for those who initially lack the self-esteem to broaden their horizons.’
his selfless commitment. During the pandemic Sgt
James Wilson-White, Training Officer within the Armed Forces
Ryland-Gasher stepped in to run the FSTW G4
said: ‘Sion has devoted the past 10 years to ensure that the Army
function and volunteered in the local community
chefs, from the most junior private to the most senior Warrant Officer
by delivering food to those who were isolating and
Class 1, are afforded every opportunity to improve themselves and
by stacking shelves in a local supermarket.
gain self-esteem through the whole lifelong learning process.’
All courses have now resumed in FSTW and
are being delivered back-to-back to ensure that all Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute,
planned courses are delivered within the training said: ‘Sion is a truly remarkable tutor who has gone above and beyond
year. Throughout this time, the FSTW team will be to provide opportunities for his colleagues across the world. His dedi-
continually assessing better and safer ways of deliv- cation will inspire many other tutors.’
ering training in the ‘new normal’, reducing the risk
‘Festival of Learning awards celebrate the commitment and achieve-
to life whilst ensuring our personnel are equipped
ments of outstanding adult learners, tutors, projects and employers.
for the challenges of Service life.
These stories show us how transformative lifelong learning can be,
Despite the recent COVID-19 challenges, some
not just for individuals but for families, communities and society as a
FSTW personnel have managed to receive some
whole. As we look to build back better after the pandemic, we need to
recognition for their fine work in the military. Sgt
redouble our efforts to provide access to lifelong learning opportuni-
Raychel Ainsworth was a finalist in the ‘We Are
ties for all.’
The City’ awards which recognises up and coming
SECRETARY@ACCASSOCIATION.ORG | WWW.ACCASSOCIATION.ORG PAGE 17