Celebrating success at LJMU's Unitemps Awards 2024

Students, staff, and local businesses from across LJMU were celebrated at the Unitemps Awards Ceremony held on Wednesday 8 May 2024. The event, hosted at the Student Life Building, honoured individuals for their contributions to work opportunities and collaboration with Unitemps.

The 2024 winners were announced in 17 categories:

• Student Ambassador Highly Commended: Vivian Anuli Adegor  

• Student Ambassador Winner: Adeola Tunday Adebesin 

• Intern of the Year Highly Commended: Eilis Chadwick  

• Intern of the Year Winner: Samuel Scragg   

• Temporary Support  Winner : Erick Mosquera Lopez 

• Research Support Highly Commended: Amy Jane Speers  

• Research Support Winner: Meryem Akça 

• Hiring Manager of the Year Runner-Up: Sarah Kelly  

• Sports Star Winner: Jordie Avery 

• Outstanding Customer Service Highly Commended: Daniela Filipa dos Santos Custodio  

• Outstanding Customer Service Winner: James Byrne 

• Hiring Manager of the Year Winner: Carolyn Williams 

• External company of the year: Strawberry Field 

• Outstanding Employability Engagement: Cells Project Ltd  

• Team of the year for support and encouragement 2024: Dr Patricia Jolliffe and Helen Collins 

• Unitemps Legend Highly Commended: Asha Prakash and Jay Mahendran 

• Unitemps Legend Winner: Daniel Watts 

Unitemps, situated within LJMU's Careers Zone, serves as the primary provider of casual work for students. Since its establishment at LJMU in November 2019, Unitemps has disbursed over £8 million in earnings to students for their part-time work, with an average of 38,500 timesheets submitted and an average payment of £200 per timesheet. Engaging 10,894 students and graduates, with 3,324 available for work, Unitemps has significantly increased student engagement and its social media presence, earning two Franchise Awards—the Franchise Managers Award and External Consultant of the Year.

Branch Manager Marnie Blackman-Cook hosted the awards with Professor Phil Vickerman, LJMU Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Experience, welcoming those in attendance to the ceremony and recognising Unitemps’ achievements:

“Unitemps at LJMU has made a transformational impact on our students, not just financially but also in personal development by providing moral support. It is wonderful to see everyone here today to recognise and celebrate the important work they undertake.”

Professor Vickerman praised Unitemps for addressing the cost-of-living challenges faced by students and commended its tireless efforts and exceptional engagement with over 11,000 students. He also applauded the LJMU branch for its growth and fresh perspectives brought by new team members and bringing a fourth full time position to the branch.

Current student Mason Ashurst gave a speech on his experience with Unitemps, highlighting his newfound confidence, and credited Unitemps for enabling him to travel to his dream destinations through his earnings.

Reflecting on the event, award recipients shared their enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunities provided by Unitemps

Vivian Anuli Adegor, Student Ambassador Highly Commended:

“LJMU gave me a significant platform. I’ve learned so much while being here, and it feels like I was destined to be here. Dr. Victoria Jackson, from our very first encounter you have been such a motivation. Your energy and aura make it easy for anyone to want to give their best.”

Adeola Tunday Adebesin, Student Ambassador Winner, thanked Unitemps for the opportunity and acknowledged the unwavering support of supervisor Dr Bukola Fatokun, program leader Dr Victoria Jackson, and personal tutor Dr Amanda Mason:

“Your support has been a driving force behind every step I've taken in my role as a student ambassador. It's truly a privilege to collaborate with such a dedicated and inspiring group of individuals like you. I think it’s always wise to give back to society.”

Samuel Scragg, Intern of the Year Winner who last year was the Runner-up for Flexible Temporary Star said that “there are too many people to shout out but I’m so thankful for all the chats and support.”

Reflecting on the success of LJMU's Unitemps branch, James Mathers, Franchise Relationship Manager, expressed immense pride in LJMU's commitment to student welfare and highlighted the branch's exceptional structure that enhances student experiences, “Unitemps LJMU’s commitment to enhancing the student experience aligns perfectly with our core values. LJMU’s Unitemps is a phenomenal branch. This is a celebration of success and innovation. These are not just numbers but milestones.”

There were several students who couldn’t make the event due to ongoing work, including Temporary Support Winner Erick Mosquera Lopez from Ecuador, who is away working with the Azerbaijan team in Turkey, described as a Core member of the Sports Team, embodying all LJMU values and Daniela Custodio, Outstanding Customer Service Award Winner, who will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in August this year with the charity Dig Deep, in support of water aid initiatives in Bomet County, Kenya and is currently collecting donations.

You can find out more about Unitemps or part-time student work opportunities here. (opens in a new tab)