College and lecturer in the running for military veterans’ awards

Weston College and one of its lecturers have been shortlisted for honours in a military veterans’ awards ceremony.

Dave Beresford, who is a Lecturer in Public Services at the College, is in the running for the Lifetime Achievement Award at the English Veterans Awards, while the College has been shortlisted in the Employer of the Year category.

The awards recognise the successful veterans who have made the, often difficult, transition from the military to civilian life in England. They reward those who have gone above and beyond and excelled in their relevant fields and act as role models for future service leavers.

It is also an opportunity to salute organisations which have shown commitment to attracting, employing and retaining ex-forces personnel and reservists.

The awards ceremony takes place at Mercure Holland House, Bristol in September 2019.

During his 14 years in the Royal Marines, Dave was awarded the Military Cross after rescuing two colleagues who were weighed down with heavy equipment and under fire from enemy forces. He also served in Northern Ireland and Sierra Leone.

Despite struggling with some common problems associated with transitioning into civilian life, Dave has gone on to forge a highly successful career in education.

After starting as a graduate primary school teacher, he has progressed to lecture in further and higher education at Weston College. As well as being an outstanding lecturer, Dave always goes above and beyond for students – helping them achieve success and realise their potential.

Weston College has a strong history of supporting local military units and the Armed Forces community. It sits upon the North Somerset Armed Forces steering group and has launched several ‘forces-friendly’ initiatives. These include the ‘Train to Build’ scheme, which facilitates the training of ex-forces personnel to build their own accommodation, and ‘Taking Teaching Further’, which encourages veterans and military personnel to consider a career in education.

Dr Paul Phillips, CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, said: “This is a magnificent achievement for Dave – and deserved recognition.

“After a distinguished career in the armed forces, he showed huge determination and aptitude to transition into a wonderful lecturer and inspirational role model for his learners.

“It’s also a great honour for the College to be recognised for the support it provides for the armed forces and military veterans. As well as being a Silver award holder with the Armed Forces Covenant, we employ veterans and reservists across a whole range of areas including vocational and engineering departments, sports and public services faculties plus throughout the College’s prison education contracts.”