News and blog

Catch up on what our previous award winners have been up to and find out latest updates.

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Naomi Clayton

18 January 2024

Blog

Investment in training and workforce development can help businesses of all sizes stand out from the crowd, says Naomi Clayton, deputy director of Learning and Work Institute.

Why 2024 should be a year for employer investment in training

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Jill Rutter

7 November 2023

Blog

With growing numbers of independent providers, one might argue that the loss of craft provision in local authority services and colleges does not matter. But there is an economic and social case to be made maintaining public provision.

Why making things matters

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Mica Jayne Coleman Jones

28 July 2023

Blog

In April, Festival of Learning held an 'Art for the People' event at City Lit to celebrate the benefits of art-based learning for individuals, communities and wider society. Mica Jayne Coleman Jones, winner of our 2022 Patron's Award, looks back on her experience of the day and reflects on meeting Learning and Work Institute's patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Reflections on Art For The People and meeting HRH The Princess Royal

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Catherine Foot

7 July 2023

Blog

We are proud to partner with L&W on their Festival of Learning campaign. The inspiring stories of the nominees are proof positive of the life-changing role that learning can play in people’s lives.

How lifelong learning can help us make the most of longer lives

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Paul Eeles

11 November 2021

Blog

When it comes to learning, education and qualifications, there is a mainstream narrative in society and it is this: that we go to school, and then on to college, for which the secret code is A levels, and then, if we are lucky, we reach the pinnacle and go to university - and then we are done as far as formal learning is concerned!

The opportunity to learn, to be educated, or to be qualified can never be a one-off opportunity

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Jane Hickie

10 November 2021

Blog

As L&W celebrates their centenary, AELP proudly stands with L&WI on our shared ambitions to transform people’s lives through learning and employment.

AELP’s role in the future of lifelong learning

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Katie Easey

8 November 2021

Blog

The recent 2021 WEA Impact Report highlights the impressive benefits of community learning. In this post, Katie Easey outlines the 10 reasons why adult education is a great idea!

You’re never too old to learn

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David Hughes

3 November 2020

Blog

I realised that to achieve society-wide change, we need to empower more people in every community to have agency, to believe in themselves and to realise that learning for life is not a one-off nor a sentence, but a necessity for us all.

The role of colleges in supporting lifelong learning

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Stephen Evans

1 November 2020

Blog

Our first Lifelong Learning Week aims to celebrate the best in adult learning and harness the appetite for lifelong learning we’ve seen during lockdown.

Why we’re celebrating the first Lifelong Learning Week

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15 December 2019

Blog

Are you thinking of submitting a Festival of Learning nomination for the first time this year? Or have you nominated in the past, but your nominees are never shortlisted?

5 Ways to Make Your Festival of Learning Nomination a Winner

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Oriana White

8 March 2019

Blog

Education enables you to focus and rebuild your future, taking control of your own destiny.

Education feeds your soul. It nourishes your mind.

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Hala Akhras

8 January 2019

Blog

Moving to England from Syria brought a range of challenges, including a new language. Determined to integrate into my new country I learnt to speak English and found a new career.

Growing enthusiasm and motivation to continue my educational journey

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Jonathan Beebee

8 November 2017

Blog

In 2017, I was nominated for a Festival of Learning award. I had recently completed a course with the School for Social Entrepreneurs on how to start up a social enterprise.

A great opportunity for you to recognise the achievements of someone you know

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