Media student Joseph Packman’s love of skateboarding helped him land a top award and an encounter with TV Presenter Konnie Huq at the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North West Learner Awards.

Eighteen year-old Joe, who is studying for a BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Media (TV and Film) at Blackpool and the Fylde College, outshone the competition to scoop Lancashire’s Further Education Vocational Award at the event.

Joe (centre) with Konnie Huq and Liz Larner from CXL

The award caps a successful year for Joe, whose recent video production was beamed out in Manchester City Centre on the BBC Big Screen, then showcased in Blackpool Library as part of the ‘Weird and Wonderful’ and ‘National Year of Reading’ projects. Joe’s mixed his talent for production with his passion for skateboarding and centred on the boarding community of Blackpool in his production, which achieved a distinction grade thanks to its near-professional production and technical quality.

Alongside his assessed work, Joe also has a very active role in extra-curricular activities and is head of the college radio technical team. An active member of the Student Enterprise Scheme, Joe recently helped organise a local rock gig and raised over £250 for the college radio station. He also works with the Curriculum Leader and films Fleetwood FC matches for promotional purposes at the weekend.

Outside of college, Joe’s skateboarding expertise have blossomed into a formal teaching career. Working with Wyre borough council, Joe is now a BRSF level 2 coach in education programme/skating/skateboarding, and offers courses on basic skateboarding techniques to children and teenagers at Thornton Sports Centre on Friday evenings. He also participated in the renovation of the skate park in Cleveleys, offering a skateboarder’s point-of-view.

Joe and his rock band ‘The Devines’ recently put in a successful bid to the ‘Youth Bank Grant Scheme’ for £1,000 towards new equipment after playing at various fundraising events. He and his band now intend to play more gigs and promote the opportunities Wyre Borough Council can offer young people like himself.

His hard work was praised at the awards ceremony and Joe was presented with a trophy and vouchers by Konnie Huq, who told the assembled audience of the importance of education and skills.

“To us, education and training are basic rights. My parents came to the UK from Bangladesh in the 1960s to give me and my sisters a better start in life, otherwise I would have grown up in a Bangladeshi village with no education. You have no control over where you’re born, and everyone here is lucky to have the opportunities available to them in Lancashire.”

Also successful was fellow Blackpool and the Fylde College student Amelia Ankers, who was thrilled to be a highly commended finalist in the Further Education Academic Award category. Amelia is currently completing an OCNW Access to Higher Education Certificate.

The winners in each category could now go on to be named North West Regional Winner, competing against winners from Cumbria, Cheshire and Warrington, Greater Manchester and Greater Merseyside.