19-year-old Brandon Garcia has been named Learner of the Year at the Wandsworth Lifelong Learning Awards 2019.

The awards recognise the borough's highest achieving adult learners – rewarding them for their commitment and success over the past 12 months.

Brandon said: “Rather than stay on in education, the apprenticeship has really made me see the world of work in a different way and was definitely the right thing for me do.”

Since successfully completing his apprenticeship in Wandsworth Council’s customer service department, Brandon is combining work with further studies in ICT at college.

Brandon was nominated for the award by his tutor, Charlotte Ponton, who felt that his approach to work and studies was exemplary and that he was a role model inside and outside of work.

More than 150 people were presented with certificates of achievement at a ceremony in Wandsworth’s Civic Suite in subjects including business administration, health and social care, teaching, information technology, numeracy, literacy and English for speakers of other languages.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, cabinet member for economic development, skills and employment, said: "It’s really important to celebrate the achievements of adult learners and its inspiring to see what this year’s winners have achieved and to recognise their hard work.

“It’s never too late to learn something new – whether it’s to become more employable or to help with your health and wellbeing.

"Each year the Lifelong Learning team helps thousands of people and I would encourage everyone to see what’s on offer – you never know where it may lead.”