Award winners

Our award winners highlight the vast array of people who gain so much from learning as adults.

Their stories truly inspire all of us

They help us recognise that learning is transformational, exciting, rewarding and possible at any age, for any reason and can be for all of us.

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2024

New Directions Award

Following a decade-long career in food retail, Shez changed direction and followed her passion for carpentry and joinery. Shez completed construction courses at Bolton College and overcame obstacles to entering a male-dominated industry, and now works at a bespoke cabinet makers.

Shez Grigg

New Directions Award | Sponsored by Skills and Education Group

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2023

New Directions Award

Jason was recovering from severe brain damage and years of homelessness when he found training opportunities and a new sense of direction through Newground Together. Jason’s success in learning led not only to an offer of work, but the chance to reconnect with his family. 

Jason Richards

New Directions Award | Sponsored by Skills and Education Group

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Festival of Learning Awards 2022-364

2022

New Directions Award

Jo became determined to change her life for her and her four children after becoming a single mother. From leaving school with few qualifications, Jo returned to learning at the age of 41 and has now been in her chosen profession for three years.

Jo Wyard

New Directions Award | Sponsored by Skills and Education Group

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Female in library looking at book

2021

New Directions Award

Nikki-Ann worked as a pastry chef in a high-end restaurant before suffering life-changing injuries in a motorbike accident. After returning to education, Nikki-Ann has retrained and is pursuing a career in engineering.

Nikki-Ann Wyatt

New Directions Award

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Female sat in classroom with flash cards

2020

New Directions Award

An Introduction into Health and Social Care course run by City College Peterborough at a local care home gave Laura the opportunity she needed to overcome her anxiety, discover her passion for caring for others, and embark on a new career.

Laura Dunn-Green

New Directions Award

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Female looking down preparing activity work

2019

New Directions Award

Attending family learning courses run by Kent Adult Education with support from the family liaison officer at her children’s school gave Vicky the boost she needed to pursue her dream of becoming a midwife.

Vicky Seagars

New Directions Award

Meet the winner