With the launch of a second year of West Midlands Adult Learning Awards, residents across the region are invited to nominate individuals, tutors, learning providers and employers that can inspire or support others to get involved in adult learning.

The Adult Learning Awards champion outstanding commitment in adult learning, skills and training funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). This includes innovative learning providers working in partnerships and engaging with communities, employers supporting residents to upskill and progress in work, and individuals engaging in adult learning to transform their lives.

A collaboration between the WMCA and Learning and Work Institute, the inaugural Adult Learning Awards in 2023 received hundreds of submissions from across the West Midlands.

Sarai Richards, won the accolade for Inspirational Adult Learner in the 2023 awards; showcasing her learning journey following her enrolment onto a course at the City of Wolverhampton College’s Electric Vehicle and Green Technologies Centre to gain the latest skills and knowledge enabling her to succeed in the constantly evolving automotive sector. After completing the course, the college was so impressed by Sarai that it offered her a job as a tutor. Sarai hopes her experience will inspire other women of any background to pursue a career within the automotive industry.

Nominators have until Friday 2 February 2024 to recommend individual learners, tutors, learning providers or employers who most inspire them – with 12 awards in total up for grabs. Winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on 27 June 2024.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “Our annual Adult Learning Awards gives us an opportunity to celebrate success, shine a light on inspiring stories from local people like Sarai and recognise the role played by a range of employers and supporting organisations.

“We know that Lifelong Learning can enhance employment prospects, boost wellbeing and advance career progression.

“I look forward to congratulating many individuals and organisations from right across our region - thanking all those that genuinely go above and beyond to help our learners and change lives in the process.”

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, added: “The Adult Learning Awards are an opportunity to celebrate individuals and organisations who have achieved significant milestones and broken down barriers in adult learning across the West Midlands.

“Following the exciting awards held in 2023, I’m looking forward to hearing further inspirational stories and achievements and to showcase the ways we continue to support more people to improve their employment prospects."

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute, said: “We are delighted to be working with the WMCA again to deliver the annual Adult Learning Awards.

“We know from our national Festival of Learning awards, the transformational power of learning and the difference this makes to individuals, employers and communities. This is a great opportunity to showcase adult education provision and achievements in the West Midlands, and to inspire more people to take part in learning.”

You can find more information about the awards, including how to nominate on the WMCA website.

For queries about the awards, please email: westmidawards@learningandwork.org.uk.