From 18-24 September Adult Learners’ Week is taking place. This is coordinated by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government and other partners.
Throughout September, the annual campaign will encourage people across Wales to discover their passion and never stop learning.
Are you looking to discover your passion for learning, brush up on your skills, improve your health and wellbeing, progress your career, or seek specialised advice and guidance to take a second chance at education and employment? This is a great chance to get involved and get learning!
James Jones, End User Support Engineer at Trivallis is halfway through studying a degree in Applied Software Engineering with Open University. James has provided a glimpse into what it’s like being an adult learner:
In 2020, I had a change in my career moving from Learning & Development (L&D) into IT. After around 6 months, I was speaking about my personal development and how I would like to move into an applications or Infrastructure role in the future.
I decided that I would like to do the Open University (OU) course because it would give me a better insight into both Application and Infrastructure roles within IT. It was also a qualification that many companies would require when applying for the more specialist roles in IT.
The course is a 4 and a half year BSc (Hons) Degree in Applied Software Engineering. It looks at mainly the development side of IT (programming) but covers many infrastructure parts like networking.
I’m not going to sugar coat it, it’s difficult. But it’s a university degree, so I was expecting it to be difficult. It was a bit of a learning curve getting used to the self-study aspect of the OU but it’s always a good feeling submitting a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) on time. It’s a very rewarding feeling when you see your TMA result.
The degree gives me a great foundation to better understand and develop further in the Application and Infrastructure side of IT. Fingers crossed that it will be the first step in moving up in the career ladder.
The support I have received from the whole of the IT Team has been brilliant.
I’ve been really lucky during my time at Trivallis, all my managers have worked closely with me on my personal development (this is my 3rd qualification through Trivallis, all through apprenticeship opportunities).
Two quotes that I’ve seen when working in L&D that really stuck with me are “I didn’t let my schooling affect my education” and “My development stops when I retire”. Personal development is a life-long commitment, and I would urge anyone to look at the options available and to try and better themselves.
Want to learn?
If you’re interested in learning something new, you can browse the hundreds of free online and in-person courses, events, and resources on the Adult Learners’ Week website, throughout September: Change Your Story – Adult Learners Week