Inspirational adult learners from South Gloucestershire have been celebrated at an event to recognise their perseverance and growth in confidence.
The annual celebration was for residents who have taken part in the council’s Community Learning and Skills Service, which received a Good rating from Ofsted in July this year, and offers courses and career progression programmes. It was a great opportunity to celebrate the commitment and success of participants who have achieved so much over the last year.
Councillor Ian Boulton, Co-Leader of the council, welcomed over 100 learners and their families to the event at the Bristol and Bath Science Park.
Cllr Boulton said: “Community Learning can provide a real lifeline for those who take part. I know from personal experience that accessing learning opportunities as an adult opens possibilities that would otherwise have been closed to me.
“I congratulate all the learners on their inspiring achievements and journeys: overcoming adversity, learning new skills, taking up new opportunities, developing resilience and growing in confidence through raised aspirations.”
In the past year the Community Learning and Skills Service has supported and given opportunities to over 1200 local people. A range of courses are on offer for people wanting to develop confidence and personal skills; those preparing for employment; programmes for speakers of English as a second language; English, maths and a wide range of other topics. The service has also supported a further 850 people with information, advice and guidance through its employability programmes.