Adult Learner of the Year announced at Waltham Forest College

College Principal Robin Jones presenting Les Fewings with his award.

Waltham Forest College, which has about 7,000 adult learners, kicked off Adult Learners' Week, by celebrating the achievements of adult learners at an awards presentation ceremony held at the Mallinson Restaurant at its campus in Forest Road, Walthamstow.

12 adult students were nominated by their lecturers to receive an award for the outstanding progress and commitment shown during their time at the college and all received Adult Learners’ Awards certificates.

Awards were presented by the college’s principal Robin Jones who said: “It was really hard to select the winner from the nominees as all students had worked exceptionally hard on their course in spite of having to deal with other issues such as health and maintaining a family. I believe all the award winners demonstrate that it is never too late to be what you want to be.”
The ‘Adult Learner of the Year’ award went to Les Fewings, who deals with challenging health problems daily, having been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, which amongst other things, left him profoundly deaf.

Les is studying for the IMI Level 1 Technical Award in Motorcycle Studies. Chris Roper Curriculum Manager Automotive Technology said: “Despite his challenges Les has made marvellous progress on his course and deserves to be recognised in this way. He works hard, progresses well with his studies, and is a pleasure to teach. He is always polite and pleasant to both teaching and support staff, and to his fellow students.”

Award winners were Kellie Fielder (Hairdressing), Ruvinia Callender (Food Studies), Simon Schendel (Learning for Success), Trea Brown (Beauty Therapy), Angela Sandford (Access to Law), Les Fewings (Motorcycle Studies), Shanthy Moothathamby (Health and Social Care), Stewart Bartholomew (StudyLink Plus) Ardjoun Nouredine (Motor Vehicle Studies), Malcolm Parker (Access to Law), Sharon-Marie Williams (Beauty Therapy), Tiffany Antonio (ICT).

For information about courses available at Waltham Forest College, please phone 020 8501 8501, email info@waltham.ac.uk or visit http://www.waltham.ac.uk/

Proving that it’s never too late to become what you want to be

A mother of three who has been out of work for two years and a woman who has two degrees but is only able to find part time work were among those who attended Adult Learners’ Week workshops at Waltham Forest College.

The college staged four workshops over two days at its Uplands House Training Centre, Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, where staff supplied details of full and part-time courses offered advice about the type of financial support available.

“I came because I wanted to find help for me to come to some sort of decision about what I want to do next,” said Gina, 46. “I was made redundant two years ago and being out of work lowers your confidence, your skills and your self esteem.” Her last job was an administrative post for the NHS where she had worked for 17 years. “I would like to do something completely different,” she added. “I want to be skilled at something and do something for myself. I don’t want to be in a situation where I wake up in the morning and think I don’t want to go to work today.”

Becki, in her late 20s, has a master’s degree in scriptwriting and a bachelor’s degree in economics, but says that her work opportunities are sporadic. She said there are often long gaps between the scriptwriting she does for television programmes. “I do some exam invigilating at the University of East London and I am interested in finding additional work in teaching support, perhaps as a scribe for students with special needs. I came to the workshop to find out what training the college could offer.”

Tutors and students on Access to Higher Education courses at the college were on hand to supply visitors with the advice they needed.

Adult Learners’ Week is an annual national campaign which inspires thousands of adults, whatever their age or background to pursue learning opportunities. They may be interested in learning for pleasure, catching up on skills missed out on at school or getting that new job or promotion. People are also able to access information and guidance that can help them finance their studies.

The College continually tries to remove the barriers to learning for people who have difficulty juggling home, family and even working life. It has developed a range of flexible and highly effective programmes to accommodate their learning needs.

For information about courses available at Waltham Forest College please phone 020 8501 8501, email info@waltham.ac.uk or visit www.waltham.ac.uk

Improving Your Career Opportunities

Patrick Williams who trained as a chef at Waltham Forest College.

The economic downturn will affect many of us but it is a fact that those with a good skills base are more likely to improve their career opportunities. As a result, greater numbers of people are acquiring new skills through retraining.

It was watching ‘The Galloping Gourmet’ programme on TV that inspired Patrick Williams to train as a chef, at Waltham Forest College.

Patrick worked his way up in the kitchens of some of the most prestigious (and demanding) names in British cooking. Today he is a celebrity Chef appearing on TV programmes and owner of The Terrace In The Fields, a gourmet restaurant in a unique setting in the centre of London’s Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

Robin Jones, Principal and Chief Executive at Waltham Forest College says: “People have difficulties juggling home, family and even working life. In order to help them overcome these conflicting barriers to learning, the College has developed a range of highly effective flexible programmes. Many of our part-time courses have variable start dates and times in order to meet adult learning needs at all levels”.

The College will be holding an Open Evening on Tuesday 19 May, 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Visitors will be able to meet advisors and lecturers, discuss training options and find out how to finance their studies. To obtain information about the Open Day or courses available at Waltham Forest College call 020 8501 8501, email info@waltham.ac.uk , visit http://www.waltham.ac.uk/ or drop into Forest Road, Walthamstow, London E17 4JB.