THE Inspire! Awards are back for 2017 and the search is on for exceptional individuals, projects and employers in Monmouthshire who have improved themselves, their community or workplace through learning.

The Learning and Work Institute is looking for nominations of people, projects and employers whose learning achievements, often in the face of difficult circumstances, have changed lives in Wales.

Winners will be invited to an award ceremony which will take place in Cardiff in June ahead of Adult Learners’ Week 2017, the largest celebration of adult learning in Europe.

Nominations are free and open to individuals or organisations involved in any form of adult learning, accredited or non-accredited, in the classroom or in the home. The deadline for applications is Friday 3rd March.

Awards include Family Learner of the Year, Young Adult Learner of the Year, Small Employer of the Year, Large Employer of the Year and Community Project of the Year.

Cerys Furlong, Director at Learning and Work Institute in Wales, said: “We are looking for people whose passion for learning will inspire others to return to or take up education. It’s always exciting when the new nominations start coming through and we get to discover inspirational stories from the local community. Some great people from across Wales have received recognition for their contributions in the past and we’re sure this year will be no different.”

For more information and to submit a nomination, visit www.learningandwork.wales and click on the Inspire! Nominations link on the homepage.