Bradford College

Students’ Success in Adult Learners’ Week

Bradford College students will receive two awards as part of the UK’s largest national festival of learning, Adult Learners’ Week (14-20 May), organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

As part of the week’s celebrations, learners will be recognised for their remarkable achievements through learning at Awards ceremonies up and down the country. The regional ceremony for Yorkshire and Humber takes place at The Rose Bowl in Leeds on Thursday 19 May.

Bradford College student and Regional Individual Award Winner, Emma Booth, after being made redundant as a Council Tenant Office at Kirklees Council, took the opportunity to retrain as an electrician and she began a four-year Apprentice Electrician course, studying NVQ level 3 and Electrotech level 3 courses with Bradford College , which she will finish in two and half years.

Emma is a single parent and role model for her 10 year old son. She has made appearances at schools giving inspirational lectures relating to the challenges and opportunities within the construction industry, helping young people realise their potential. She says of her career change, “to reach for aspirations it takes hard work and determination, however anything is achievable and it can also be lots of fun.”

David Ho, Emma’s Bradford College lecturer and nominator for the Awards says, “Her resolute motivation, dedication and her willingness to study at both college and home, as well as activities promoting women in construction to local schools, have all led her to being nominated for this award.”

Bradford College student and Highly Commended Regional Award Winner, Farha Patel has been in education for 15 years initially enrolling on part-time short courses moving through various levels and now is currently studying towards a Masters in Education. As well as being a student at Bradford College Farha works part-time as an ESOL Lecturer at the College.

Farha has been actively involved in the community, working with school projects, asylum seekers, refugees, job seekers and people with terminal illnesses. She has also recently become a governor for a local secondary school, something she would not have had the confidence for without her education.
 
Farha’s Adult Learners’ Award nominator, Bradford College lecturer Maria Mousawi comments, “Farha has always been a hard worker who was determined to progress and achieve. She has worked continuously furthering her education, skills and qualifications in a range of subject areas. She has worked with people from all walks of life of different ages, ethnicity, gender and ability. She is an ideal candidate for an Adult Learners Week Award and I am very happy she’s received such an accolade.”

Michele Sutton OBE, Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive said: “These two students exemplify the determination of many of our adult learners to achieve against the odds. We are very proud of their personal achievements and look forward to celebrating with adult learners from across Yorkshire and Humberside at the regional ceremony.”