By Liam J Roberts –

More than 100 guests gathered at Leeds Civic Hall on the 24th June to celebrate the remarkable achievements of adult learners from across West Yorkshire.

Now in its second year, the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards honoured the transformative journeys of individuals aged nineteen and over who have embraced adult education to build brighter futures.

Hosted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the event spotlighted inspirational learners who have overcome challenges, retrained in new sectors, and become role models in their communities.

During the event, Mayor Tracy Brabin announced a significant £12 million uplift in skills and training funding designed to expand learning opportunities across the region until July 2026.

Honouring Transformational Journeys

Among the night’s outstanding awardees was Caitlin Moisey, who was recognised for her exceptional contributions to the field of pharmacy.

Her dedication to upskilling has not only advanced her career but also reinforced the critical role of adult education in supporting the health and wellbeing sector.

Mayor Tracy Brabin next to Inspirational Adult Learner award winner, Caitlin Moisey

Also receiving special acclaim were Guillaume Junior Atangana and Donard Ndim Nyamjua, two refugee athletes from Cameroon studying at Bradford College.

The pair were jointly awarded a Special Commendation for their inspirational journey from displacement to competing in the Paris Paralympic Games.

Their story represents the power of resilience, learning, and opportunity.

Mayor Tracy Brabin reflected on the impact of such stories: “These inspirational learners prove that it’s never too late to learn new skills, embark on exciting new careers, and put more money in your families’ pockets while pursuing a new passion in life.”

“When I was elected, I pledged to make West Yorkshire a region of learning and creativity, and with our multimillion-pound boost to adult skills, we are delivering on that promise.”

Expanding Access Through a £12 Million Investment

The newly announced £12 million in skills funding will support courses in essential English, Maths, Digital, and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), as well as Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) tailored to key industries such as health and social care, childcare, and construction.

This funding forms part of the Mayor’s broader £65 million Adult Skills Fund, which is supporting over 40,000 learners annually to access training and employment opportunities.

Through this initiative, more people across West Yorkshire will be able to retrain, upskill, and access better-paid, more secure jobs.

“By investing in essential skills like English and Maths alongside technical qualifications in sectors like construction and childcare,” Brabin explained.

“We’re equipping people with the skills they need to succeed, supporting local businesses, and building a stronger, brighter economy for all.”

Supporting Learners and Strengthening Communities

Adult learners in West Yorkshire are already seeing tangible benefits from these investments.

Over the past academic year, more than 47,000 adult learners accessed support via the Combined Authority.

There has also been a notable rise in participation from disabled learners, ethnic minority communities, and young adults, furthering the region’s commitment to inclusive education.

Partnerships with local employers, training providers, and the region’s seven Further Education colleges are central to delivering relevant, job-ready qualifications that meet real labour market demands.

These collaborations help ensure that learners not only complete their courses but also secure meaningful employment.

Stuart Littlewood, Managing Director of Aim2Learn, one of the region’s innovative training providers, praised the investment: “The phrase ‘life-changing’ is something we hear time and again from our adult learners, which makes us so proud.

“This investment from the Mayor is brilliant news. It will enable us and many other providers to work directly with adults to not just simply tick a box, but retrain them for a career they love.”

Aim2Learn is also leading the way in providing holistic support.

As part of their wraparound services, they offer free breakfast clubs to help adult learners start their day well-nourished and ready to succeed, support they have extended to young carers in collaboration with local schools.

(L-R) West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, Paralympic Bronze Medallist for the Refugee Team Guillaume Junior Atangana, and his guide Donard Ndim Nyamjua

Lifelong Learning at the Heart of Regional Growth

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, celebrated the significance of the awards and investment: “A huge congratulations to all the winners at the adult learners awards ceremony—it was fantastic to host this event at Leeds Civic Hall.”

“The achievements of everyone in the room highlight the immense value of lifelong learning, which is absolutely critical to keeping our cities and region thriving.

“Adult education not only empowers individuals; it builds a more skilled, resilient workforce and drives economic growth right across Leeds and West Yorkshire.”

This aligns with West Yorkshire’s Local Growth Plan, a multibillion-pound strategy aiming to build a region of learning and creativity, where everyone, regardless of age, background or circumstance, can access the qualifications and support they need to grow.

Breaking Down Barriers

A key focus of the Mayor’s skills strategy is tackling the barriers that prevent many adults from accessing education, whether due to cost, caring responsibilities, or a lack of confidence.

Initiatives like flexible learning models, blended courses, and local support services are helping to remove these hurdles.

The funding will also allow providers to scale up programmes that offer personalised support, from career guidance to digital literacy.

This comprehensive approach ensures that learners are not only gaining qualifications, but also the practical tools they need to thrive in a modern workforce.

Looking Ahead

With courses now funded through to July 2026, this latest boost in funding represents a long-term commitment to strengthening skills provision in West Yorkshire.

By aligning training opportunities with local economic needs, the region is preparing its workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Crucially, this is not just about numbers – it’s about people.

Individuals like Caitlin, Guillaume and Donard are living proof of the transformative power of adult education.

Whether retraining for a new profession, learning English as a second language, or returning to education after many years, adult learners are reshaping what is possible for themselves and their communities.

As Tracy Brabin remarked: “This is about more than skills – it’s about confidence, dignity, and the chance to rewrite your own story.”

I myself was nominated for the Learning for Work Award. And it fills me with gradually growing pride in myself.

Pride that is fuelled by the acknowledgement of my work ethic and my achievements.

And I hope that the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards continues to select people whose efforts and achievements should be addressed, and have their potential and their talents made public, and in turn, inspire others.

Whether you’re an award winner or nominee, it’s a certainty that this ceremony is a great step to being a winner throughout the rest of your life.