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