From 19 to 23 October, we are joining colleges across the country to support the Association of Colleges' (AoC) Adult Learning Pays week of action, a national campaign celebrating the life-changing impact of adult education. The campaign shines a spotlight on adults who have returned to education to gain new skills, change careers, progress in work, improve their wellbeing or build confidence.
Adult learning benefits not only individuals, but also employers, communities and the wider economy by helping to close skills gaps, tackle social isolation and create new opportunities. Throughout the week, colleges are sharing inspiring learner stories and championing the case for continued investment in lifelong learning, highlighting why adult education truly pays.
Adult learning at Nottingham College
As one of the UK's largest further education colleges with around 10,000 adult learners (age 19+) currently studying with us, we are passionate about making learning accessible to everyone. It's never too late to return to education, whether you're looking to gain new skills, change careers or progress in your current role. We welcome, support and celebrate learners of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, recognising the vital role education plays in helping people unlock their potential and achieve their ambitions.
24-year-old Manufacturing Engineering student Saif said, "It feels like Nottingham College is my last hope to find my future and live my life, I am so grateful to be here."
After moving to the UK from Pakistan on his own and overcoming a series of difficult circumstances, Saif enrolled at Nottingham College aged 23 with a dream of becoming an engineer. "I came to the UK after my life took an unexpected turn. I had to leave university and start again while facing a lot of uncertainty about my future. It has been a very difficult journey at times, but education gave me hope and helped me focus on building a better life.
"College gave me another chance to pursue my dream. The support I've received from staff has been incredible and they believed in me even when I was struggling with confidence. The college helped me see that my future was still possible."
Saif's determination and commitment to learning have helped him thrive, and he now hopes his story will encourage other adults to realise that it's never too late to return to education, develop new skills and transform their future.
"I've faced many obstacles, but I've always kept my dream alive. My ambition is to become an aerospace engineer and work for leading companies in the industry.
"I want other adult learners, refugees and people facing challenges to know that their dreams are still possible, no matter your background. Education can open doors, build confidence and create opportunities you never thought you would have. If you keep believing in yourself and keep working towards your goals, you can achieve amazing things. Age is just a number."
Despite language barriers, financial challenges and uncertainty about his immigration status, Saif has achieved distinctions across the board and remains determined to realise his dream of becoming an aerospace engineer.