Nominations open for Adult Learning Awards 2026

Has someone inspired you to get into learning?

Is there an organisation that has been particularly supportive?

Has your employer helped you to achieve your career potential?

Do you know someone who has achieved something amazing by learning as an adult?

With the launch of a fourth year of the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards, residents across the region are invited to nominate individuals, tutors, learning providers and employers that inspire or support others to get involved in adult learning.

The Awards, which are supported by the Learning and Work Institute, champion outstanding commitment in adult learning, skills and training activities that are funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

This includes innovative learning providers working in partnerships and engaging with communities, employers supporting residents to upskill and progress in work, and individuals overcoming challenges to transform their lives.

Last year’s awards saw hundreds of nominations from across the West Midlands.

Adult Learning Award winners 2026: (Left to right) Helene Dearne (Interim Executive Director, Employment, Skills, Health & Communities, WMCA), Sam Hutchings, Viv Webb (Dudley MBC), Nicola Beckford, Aneeta Hazir (Telford College), Santina Bunting, Alison Grade, Karl Wilson, Louise Lakin (AES Coventry), Timothy Jackson, Kris Green (BBC Drama Studio Productions), Monica Barbosa (Successful Partnerships)

Last year’s winner of the accolade for the Adult Learning Award for Learning for Work last year, Karl Wilson is a shining example of how resilience, determination and a passion for learning has helped to inspire others.

Karl experienced depression following the loss of his mother, and even lost his business, but with the right support he overcame these challenges, showing it’s never too late to learn and make a new start.

With the support of a WMCA funded training programme Karl was able to turn his life around and is now able to give back by helping others in his role as a learning recruitment officer.

Nominators have until 16th March 2026 to recommend individual learners, tutors, learning providers or employers who most inspire them – with eight awards up for grabs.

Winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony in July 2026 – details to follow.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: "I want everyone in the West Midlands to have the opportunity to learn new skills, land a job and get on in life.

“The Adult Learning Awards shine a spotlight on those people who are going above and beyond in supporting our residents to get trained up and turn their lives around for the better – so I encourage residents to make a nomination and get these people the recognition they deserve.

“With skills and good jobs we can grow the economy and make the region the best place to live, work and learn.”

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute (L&W), said: “We are delighted to support the West Midlands Adult Learning Awards again, and to work with the WMCA to showcase lifelong learning across the region.

“Adult learning plays an essential role in raising productivity, opening up new possibilities for people, and helping businesses to thrive. It’s inspiring to see how lifelong learning is helping individuals, organisations and communities to grow and succeed across the West Midlands.”

For more information about the awards, including how to nominate, visit the WMCA website.