Birmingham man who rebuilds life after returning to the classroom is recognised at 2025 Adult Learning Awards

A Birmingham man has shown how it’s never too late to learn and make a new start despite facing a range of challenges.

Karl Wilson, aged 63, was forced to give up his successful computer business to become a full time carer for his mum when she developed Alzheimers.

Things got even tougher for Karl after his mum passed away and found himself facing homelessness while suffering with depression.

But with the support of a training programme funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and run by Release Potential, Karl was able to turn his life around and is now using his passion for learning to inspire others in his role as a learning recruitment officer.

Karl’s resilience, determination and passion to give back has been recognised at the WMCA Adult Learning Awards 2025 where he has won the Learning for Work Award.

After being presented with his accolade at the Awards ceremony at Birmingham’s Grand Hotel last night (July 8), Karl said: “My mum was not just my mum – she was my friend and when I lost her I didn’t know where to turn. Before finding the course, I felt like I had no future. But the training with Release Potential has helped me rediscover my value and purpose. I now have a job I love, and I’m helping others find their path too. It’s never too late to start again.”

The Adult Learning Awards showcase the remarkable achievements of adult learners, as well as the collaborative efforts of employers and training providers working in partnership with the WMCA.

These awards underline the West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker’s commitment to making sure residents have access to high-quality skills provision and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Ten award-winning stories have been shared through a series of compelling short films that highlight a diverse range of contributions -from individual learners and dedicated tutors to innovative skills providers and large-scale partnerships between organisations.

A further five nominees received special commendation for their outstanding impact.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Karl’s journey is a powerful reminder that learning, coupled with the right support can unlock new beginnings and brighter futures and clearly demonstrates the life-changing impact of adult education.

“The Adult Learning Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our adult learning champions and show that there is a wealth of talent and enormous potential in the region.

 “It’s an important opportunity to recognise the role played by employers and supporting organisations to help residents improve their employment prospects, whether through apprenticeships, skills bootcamps, or other innovative programs.

These awards showcase the incredible work already changing people’s lives. Congratulations to the winners, highly commended and everyone who has been involved for sharing your inspirational experience and journeys.” 

Gaye Hutchinson, CEO Release Potential, said: “What an amazing event, it's an honour and privilege to be a skills partner of WMCA, changing the lives of West Midland's residents every day.”

The Adult Learning Awards was hosted by award-winning BBC journalist and proud Brummy, Nicola Beckford. Nicola presents the regional television news programme "Midlands Today" at breakfast and lunchtime across the West Midlands on BBC One.

Prior to embarking on a broadcasting career, Nicola worked as a secondary school teacher in inner city schools in Birmingham, where she was determined to encourage her students to fulfil their potential.

Nicola said: "I was delighted to be the cohost of this year's WMCA Adult Learning Awards in my home town of Birmingham. As a former secondary school teacher in the city, I passionately believe in the power of education to transform lives. This year's award winners clearly demonstrate that power and how learning is a life long journey."

Presenting the awards alongside Nicola was outstanding award-winning apprentice, Santina Bunting, one of only 150 students that embarked an apprenticeship journey straight after GCSEs in her year. She completed her Level 3 civil engineering apprenticeship with Arup with a distinction in just two years and is now working towards her Level 6 apprenticeship at Warwick University. She is also one of Arup’s advocates for life-long learning.

Santina said: “I’m honoured to be co-hosting the Adult Learner Awards. From starting my apprenticeship at 16 to now doing a degree apprenticeship, I’ve always found myself in environments where learning is at the heart of everything—whether in the workplace or at college. Learning doesn’t have a start or finish line; it’s a lifelong journey.

“That’s why it’s such a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates those who are truly committed to lifelong learning as well as those who are the active cheerleaders along the way.”

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute, the independent policy and research organisation who helped develop the awards, said: “When adults learn, our society and economy thrive.

“That's the message of our new campaign - to Get the Nation Learning - an ethos shared by the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards.

“We are proud to have partnered with the WMCA for a third year to deliver these awards, and we congratulate all the winners for 2025. We hope their stories encourage more individuals and organisations to transform lives through learning.”

Full details of winners and individual profiles are available on the WMCA website.

2025 Adult Learning Award winners:

• Asifa Shaheen - Inspirational Learner of the Year
• Karl Wilson - Learning for Work
• Sam Hutchings - Workplace Learning Achievement
• Timothy Jackson - Skills for Life Achievement
• Alison Grade, Mission Accomplished - Inspirational Educator
• Adult Education Service Coventry City Council - Inclusive Learning Provision
• Railway Support Services Infrastructure (in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, Midlands Rail Alliance, Tended, West Midlands Trains) - Successful Partnerships
• Telford College - Engaging Adults in Learning
• BBC Studios Drama Productions - Workplace Learning Champion
• Dudley MBC & Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust - Inclusive and Innovative Recruitment and career Champion