Newport’s Lois Basnett has received a special recognition award for her work as a relations support officer with Portal Training at its annual awards night.

Staff working in education, sport and business won praise for pursuing a range of professional qualifications alongside their day-to-day roles at a ceremony at St David’s Hotel.

Hosted by BBC Wales’ Eleri Sion, the awards honoured those who have successfully gained new qualifications in leadership and management through Portal Training.

Lois was celebrated for her “can-do attitude, always going above and beyond every day and always demonstrating Portal’s core values” as a member of the Portal team working to support learners from other organisations.

Morag Conlon from iTeach, sponsors of the Special Recognition award along with Thomas Carroll, said: “It’s always a pleasure to work with Lois, she presents a ‘can do attitude’ and plays her part as a ‘team player’ happily, enthusiastically without any fuss.”

“Lois goes above and beyond to show Portal’s values as she is a great team player who is always enthusiastic in everything she does. Lois is very honest and shows a great deal of respect for her team members, the company and clients that we work with.”

Other awards included Education Employer of the Year, which went to Port Talbot’s Ysgol Cwm Brombil, and Aberystwyth’s Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru, which won Employer of the Year for its efforts in investing in the professional development of their staff.

Managing director Gwawr Booth said it was wonderful to celebrate the success stories of Portal staff and learners but said the judges had a very difficult job deciding who should win.

She said: “We are delighted with Lois’ progress in her role at Portal Training and can’t think of a more deserving person for this award.

“As training providers working to support professionals across Wales in achieving the next step in their career, or find their way to pursuing a new one, Portal Training has a responsibility to champion all those with a desire to progress personally and professionally.”