Meet Cameron: The forklift driver turning data into opportunity
“67% of UK businesses plan to increase investment in data analytics in the next year.” It’s a statistic that caught Cameron Jarvis’s attention and changed the direction of his career.
As technology reshapes the workplace, demand for digital and data skills is accelerating across every sector. For adults already in work, this presents not just an opportunity, but a lifeline: the chance to retrain, progress, and future-proof their careers.
That’s exactly what Cameron, 33, set out to do when he enrolled on the Level 3 Data Analytics course at New City College. By day he works full-time as a forklift driver in a warehouse; by night, he’s learning how to code, analyse and interpret data, skills that open doors to one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK.
“There are so many opportunities in tech and data, and I wanted to put myself in a position where I could move into that world.”
“I could see where the job market was heading,” Cameron says. “There are so many opportunities in tech and data, and I wanted to put myself in a position where I could move into that world. It’s something I’m genuinely interested in and I want to start earning better money.”
Returning to education as an adult has given Cameron a new outlook on learning.
“When you’re younger, you don’t always value education in the same way. Now I really appreciate the opportunity to learn. The lecturers make it practical and relevant to work, and the library is great if you don’t have space to study at home. When you come back as an adult, you’re here because you want to be.”
But Cameron realises there are barriers that stop many adults from following in his footsteps.
“People would love to upskill, but they’ve got bills, childcare, rent - real responsibilities. That’s why free and funded courses are so important. They make education possible for people like me.”
Why adult education matters
Cameron’s story reflects the power and fragility of adult learning opportunities in the UK. Across the country, colleges are facing steep funding cuts to adult education, putting life-changing courses like Data Analytics at risk.
At a time when employers are crying out for digital, green and technical skills, this loss of funding threatens to close doors on the very people who can help drive the economy forward.
“When adults go back into education, they’re investing in themselves, but also in the country.”
“We want to work, to progress, to contribute. These courses pay for themselves in the long run because they build a stronger workforce.”
Adult education doesn’t just create skilled workers. It strengthens communities, supports families and transforms confidence. For Cameron, it’s been nothing short of life-changing.
“Education opens doors. You only have one life, so why spend it doing something you don’t want to do?”
Find out more
Discover flexible, part-time and funded courses for adults at New City College and join the campaign to protect lifelong learning.
