How talking about my interests changed my life
By Brian Jones - 06/10/2008
It all began on a wet Friday in December 1997 at Nottingham University. We were there to see our son receive his Masters degree, and I was impressed and surprised by the number of 'mature' students who were also collecting their University degrees.
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Carol Smillie gives the nation a 'skills makeover'
Have you ever wished you could learn IT skills but simply don’t have the time or perhaps you’d like to become a chef but lack of money is putting you off? Well now a crack team of experts headed by TV Presenter Carol Smillie is here to help.
Some truly astounding Adult Learners
As Adult Learner's Week kicks off from May 17th-23rd, winners of the various senior awards have been announced. But behind the awards lie truly astounding stories of overcoming hardship to learn, serving as an inspiration to us all - no matter what our age or background...
Step out for Adult Learners' Week
Dance organisations across the country are being encouraged to put on showcase events on the weekend of 17th and 18th May 2008 to launch this year’s Adult Learners’ Week - co-ordinated by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).
The UK's largest festival of learning is on its way
People throughout the UK will be taking part in thousands of events in May - all designed to give adults a chance to learn new skills and discover new pursuits ... from salsa to singing and from forensic science to taxidermy.
Life Long Learning - use it or lose it
A recent survey showed that 90% of us older folk agreed with the statement ‘You’re never too old to learn’ – so why are there still such unshakeable myths which stifle the will to learn in later life?
Who wants a nice, quiet retirement?
Looking forward to a nice, quiet retirement? Don’t plan on it, says the Open University. In fact now’s the time to open your mind, broaden your horizons and open up new opportunities.
I'm not stupid - I've got dyspraxia
Sadly, many dyspraxia sufferers are simply labelled as stupid, naughty or disruptive - but they are not. Monday 24th September sees the launch of the first ever dyspraxia awareness week - a much misunderstood condition which affects thousands of adults and children, leading to poor co-ordination and social skills and an inability to master the everyday tasks many of us take for granted.
Reaching out to older people with dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty, or learning difference, that affects many aspects of life and learning. Today it is a well recognised condition, but a few generations ago hundreds of thousands of people were simply labelled as "stupid" at school - and left to suffer a lifetime of shame and fear, unable to read road signs, write letters or even pay bills. Now NIACE and the Learning and Skills Development Agency are leading a project to help support this forgotton generation of older dyslexics.
June graduates - at 82
When June Fletcher collects her BA English and Creative Writing from Salford University next week she will be, at 82, one of the country’s oldest graduates.
Mature students welcome on course to manage volunteers
Thames Valley University is launching the first ever degree in managing volunteers for the public sector, highlighting the voluntary workforce that underpins the success of so many community and international sporting events. And mature students are particularly welcome to join the course.
Nifty@Fifty seeks funding to get more over 50's back to work
The unique Nifty@Fifty course 2006 that successfully helped a number of older people secure employment is looking to secure new funding to extend the course in January 2007.
The Nifty@Fifty project originated in Clydesdale as an idea to help those over 50 who wanted to go back to work either full time or part time and needed a tailor made course which would both give them the confidence to apply for jobs and some tips on how to make themselves ‘work ready.’
The project is co-ordinated by former teacher Ed Archer, and is funded by Leader Plus, with the help of money from the European Union. Ed believes that the Nifty@Fifty course is an ideal way for older people to develop necessary skills in order to secure decent employment.
Could you mentor your grandchildren’s career?
A former teacher who now works as a part time education and careers consultant is calling on grandparents to put their life skills to good use by helping put their grandchildren on the road to the right career or college course for them.
Train for a second career in IT
Think that a career in IT is for young people? Think again. It’s a growth industry in need of good people and there is training available to get you up to speed.

