Inspirational adult learners and innovative training providers showcased at awards ceremony

Training providers, tutors, employers and adult learners have been recognised for their outstanding achievements towards inspiring others and bettering their own lives at the first ever West Midlands’ Adult Learning Awards.

After hundreds of nominations were submitted over several months, 10 recipients picked up accolades from the ceremony at the Conference Aston in Birmingham, celebrating the impact of adult learning and training, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Developed in partnership with Learning and Work Institute, the awards highlight individuals who have overcome challenging situations to transform their employment prospects as well championing employers who are supporting residents to get into work, and innovative training providers who have engaged with communities and offered different styles of learning.

Caption (L-R): Host Nick Bailey presents Sarai Richards with her Inspirational Adult Learner Award

One award recipient was Sarai Richards, who picked up the Inspirational Adult Learner Award after impressing Wolverhampton College so much as a student on her Electric Vehicle maintenance course that she is now a tutor. Sarai coaches fellow learners and provides a positive example to other women looking to get into this fast-growing industry in the West Midlands.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: “Before joining the trade, I had never come across a female mechanic, let alone a black female working in the industry. I feel very proud of myself for remaining persistent and achieving what I have attained so far.

“Technology in the motor trade especially, is progressing towards being predominantly electric. With government aiming to achieve zero emissions by 2050, I wanted to get a head start in obtaining the qualifications needed to work in this growing sector. I hoped that by achieving this knowledge and skillset it would set me apart from my peers and make me more employable.”

The event was hosted by Birmingham born actor, academic, and leadership consultant for The Pacific Institute, Nicholas Bailey, who is perhaps best known for playing the role of GP, Dr Anthony Trueman, in BBC’s Eastenders from 2000 to 2004.

He said: “I am a strong believer in creating an environment where everyone in a local community can build a mindset to fulfil their potential in both their working and personal lives, no matter their background or disadvantage.

“As a student, teacher, and lecturer of the region myself, I understand the importance of finding appropriate teaching methods and experiences to help build confidence in every learner and have developed experiential and immersive techniques to help engage and empower non-traditional learners or those in challenging circumstances.

“That’s why I am a such a strong believer in the need for these awards. I am proud to be hosting them and to have the opportunity to honour those achievers and supporters who, despite adversity have created new circumstances in their lives. The Adult Learning Awards will help change the perception of adult learning, encourage people to fulfil their potential and celebrate the exceptional adult learning opportunities in this region.”

Since devolution of the Adult Education Budget in 2019, WMCA has secured more than £0.65bn of public funds for jobs and skills for the region, as well as attracting private sector investment.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, was also in attendance to congratulate winners.

 “Our Adult Learning Awards provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of unsung heroes right across our region who are making a tremendous positive impact within the community,” the Mayor said.

“It’s genuinely inspiring to hear the stories of local people making a real difference in the Adult Learning sector - supporting some very determined learners and improving employment prospects for all those involved.

“These outcomes confirm the valuable role that the WMCA can play - investing time, effort and funding into the skills sector.”

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, added: “I'd like to congratulate all the winners on their success and look forward to seeing more wonderful examples in the coming years.

“It is so important that we continue to make opportunities to learn accessible to everyone and make age or background not be a barrier to better your employment prospects.”

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute, said “We are proud to have partnered with the WMCA to deliver the inaugural Adult Learning Awards. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the transformational power of learning and the difference it makes to individuals, employers and communities. We congratulate the winners and hope their stories inspire more people to take part in learning.”

Ricky Patel, head of healthcare at Fujitsu, said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor the Adult Learning Awards and celebrate the remarkable achievements of those that are contributing to driving a change in society. By creating a supportive culture of learning we hope that everyone is encouraged to push their own boundaries of learning, further their curiosity whilst inspiring the next generation of what can be achieved.”

Full details of winners:

• Sarai Richards - Inspirational Adult Learner Award
• Geoff Carter – Learning for Work Award
• Asha Kaur - Step Into Learning Award
• Ideal for All – Community Learning Award
• CodeYourFuture - Successful Partnership Award
• RMF - Engaging Adults in Learning Award
• LJM Homecare - SME of the Year Award
• Sigma Connected - Large Employer Award
• Ian Winfield - Tutor Award
• BritAsia Academy - Innovative Delivery Award

Read each winner's story here: https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/productivity-and-skills/adult-learning-awards/.