Meet Rory: From journalist to joiner, finding purpose through adult learning
At 28, Rory made a bold move. After years working as a journalist behind a screen, he swapped his keyboard for a toolkit and enrolled on the Site Carpentry course at New City College.
“I started asking myself – is this it? Am I going to be sitting at a computer for the rest of my life?” Rory says. “I wanted to do something tangible, something I could do with my hands and see the result at the end of the day. Carpentry felt like the right choice – it’s a real, practical skill with good pay, job security and huge demand.”
“I wanted to do something tangible, something I could do with my hands and see the result at the end of the day.”
He’s not wrong. The UK currently employs more than 300,000 carpenters and joiners, and the industry remains one of the most sought-after sectors for skilled workers — vital to building homes, businesses and infrastructure across the country.
A new kind of learning
Rory’s decision to retrain has opened up a whole new world of learning — one that feels more grounded, rewarding and social.
“Before this, I did the traditional route – GCSEs, A Levels, an undergrad and postgrad degree – so this is definitely the most ‘out-of-the-box’ thing I’ve done! The tutors really understand what it’s like to make a big career change as an adult and they give you the belief to make it happen.”
The hands-on nature of the course has transformed his confidence, both in and outside the classroom.
“The best part is seeing something you’ve built actually standing there. It’s incredibly satisfying. My brother recently bought a house, and we built his garden together and laid a new patio. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that before this course.”
Why funding adult skills matters
For Rory, retraining through adult education hasn’t just given him new skills — it’s given him purpose. But he’s clear that the opportunity shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it.
“Our education system pushes people towards academic routes too much, and we end up short of skilled tradespeople — yet they’re the ones we need most. Courses like Site Carpentry give adults the chance to redirect their careers into areas that are vital for the country.”
“If we cut funding for these courses, it sends the message that only people with money can afford to change careers. That would be a real shame. Adult education isn’t just about personal growth — it’s about upskilling the workforce and building the future this country genuinely needs.”
“If we cut funding for these courses, it sends the message that only people with money can afford to change careers.”
Find out more
Discover flexible, part-time and funded courses for adults at New City College and join the campaign to protect lifelong learning.
