Real people. Real change.
How adult learning transforms lives and strengthens communities
Adults across London are returning to education to retrain, progress, rebuild confidence and stay connected in a fast-changing world. Their stories show just how powerful and how essential adult learning really is.
This collection shares their voices - people finding confidence, purpose, opportunity and belonging through education. Their journeys prove one thing: when you protect access to adult learning, you change lives and strengthen society.
Meet the learners behind the stories below.
Meet Elizabeth: Building new skills, new confidence and a stronger future
Elizabeth, an HR professional, is studying Data Analytics at New City College to stay ahead and progress her career. Flexible study makes upskilling possible, but funding cuts risk shutting out adults like her who need access to affordable lifelong learning.
Meet Tracey: Staying connected, capable and confident through adult learning
Tracey returned to learn AI Prompt Engineering at New City College to rebuild confidence and keep up with fast-moving tech. It’s boosted her skills, wellbeing and connection, showing why funded lifelong learning is essential as the world rapidly changes.
Meet Rory: From journalist to joiner, finding purpose through adult learning
Rory left journalism to retrain in Site Carpentry at New City College, finding confidence, purpose and a practical career with real demand. His story shows why funded adult skills matter, they help people change direction and fill vital gaps in the workforce.
Meet Rajesh: Adapting to a changing world through lifelong learning
After 30 years in IT, Rajesh upskilled through an AI Skills course at New City College. It gave him confidence, direction and the tools to re-enter a fast-changing industry, showing why funded adult learning is vital in an AI-driven future.
Meet Olafunke: Finding confidence, purpose and community through adult learning
Olafunke returned to study SIA Door Supervision at New City College, rebuilding confidence and finding community after years focused on family. Her story shows why funded adult courses matter, they open doors, boost self-belief and strengthen communities.
Meet Linda: How adult learning helped her rediscover confidence, community and joy
Linda started with a Level 1 course at New City College and progressed to Level 4 in Data Analytics, finding confidence, community and purpose along the way. Her story shows why protecting funded adult education matters for wellbeing, skills and opportunity.
Meet Sophia: Staying sharp, confident and connected through cyber security
At 58, Sophia joined a Cyber Security course at New City College to stay confident and connected in a digital world. Learning has boosted her skills, independence and wellbeing — proving why funded adult education matters at every age.
Meet Saul: Making change happen through adult learning
Saul is studying Health and Social Care at New City College while working and raising a family, driven to support her community and help fill vital healthcare roles. Her story shows why funded adult education matters, it empowers people and strengthens society.
Meet Paul: How learning later in life opened the door to new possibilities
After being turned down for apprenticeships due to missing qualifications, Paul returned to study English at New City College. Learning has boosted his confidence, skills and future opportunities — showing why funded adult education is essential.
Meet Magnus: How one short course helped him rebuild belief in himself
After time out of work due to ill health, Magnus returned to adult learning to rebuild confidence and update his tech skills. Studying AI at New City College has given him direction, purpose and a pathway back into work — proof of why funded courses matter.
Meet Marie: Finding independence, confidence and purpose through adult learning
Marie returned to study Maths to become more confident and independent. Adult learning has transformed her daily life - helping with work, family and community, and shows why funding is vital for giving adults the skills and confidence to thrive.
Meet Martin: Rebuilding confidence and purpose through adult learning
Martin returned to study English and Maths to rebuild confidence and purpose. Adult learning has given him structure, clarity and hope — and shows why funded education is essential for helping people move forward and contribute to society.
Meet Sufia: Finding hope, purpose and confidence through adult learning
Sufia returned to adult education to rebuild confidence, stay connected and keep his mind active. Studying IT at New City College has boosted his wellbeing, given him purpose and community, and shows why funded learning is vital for disabled adults.
Meet Cameron: The forklift driver turning data into opportunity
Cameron, a forklift driver, is retraining in data analytics at New City College to future-proof his career. Free and funded courses are helping adults like him gain the skills employers need and protecting these opportunities has never mattered more.