Meet Tracey: Staying connected, capable and confident through adult learning
When Tracey, 61, decided to return to education, it had been several years since she’d last worked. Living in London since 1987 and raising a family, she wanted to rebuild her confidence and update her digital skills in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
That decision led her to New City College’s AI Prompt Engineering course, and what started as a way to keep up with technology has become one of the most empowering experiences of her life.
“I hadn’t worked for a couple of years and felt like I was falling behind,” Tracey says. “AI is moving so fast that I thought if I didn’t get on board now, I’d miss the chance to keep up. I was nervous at first, but everyone was friendly, the tutor was excellent, and I came away feeling much more confident in my abilities.”
“I was nervous at first, but everyone was friendly, the tutor was excellent, and I came away feeling much more confident in my abilities.”
Learning for wellbeing and connection
Returning to study didn’t just give Tracey new skills, it gave her purpose and community.
“It’s made a huge difference, not just to my skills but to my confidence and wellbeing,” she explains. “Before I started, I was spending a lot of time at home alone, and it was getting me down. Having a reason to go out, meet new people and learn something new has lifted my spirits. I feel more positive, more sociable and more confident than I have in years. Adult education has been a real boost to my mental health.”
“I feel more positive, more sociable and more confident than I have in years. Adult education has been a real boost to my mental health.”
Tracey has already started putting her new knowledge to use, applying her AI prompt engineering skills to her local church community.
“I’ve been able to create scheduling tools to help organise volunteers and support people during services,” she says proudly. “It’s rewarding to see what I’ve learned making a real difference.”
Why adult learning matters
Tracey’s experience highlights the importance of ensuring adult education remains funded and accessible to everyone, especially as technology evolves at pace.
“Adult education is essential for the country’s future,” she says. “Technology, especially AI, is moving rapidly and older generations can easily fall behind. People need opportunities to keep their skills up to date, not just for work, but to stay active and engaged members of society.”
“Without funding for adult learning, many people wouldn’t have the chance to study courses like this — and that would be bad for everyone. For me, it’s not just about keeping up; it’s about staying connected, staying capable and staying confident in our changing world. Everyone deserves that opportunity.”
“It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about staying connected, staying capable and staying confident in our changing world. Everyone deserves that opportunity”
Find out more
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