“I used to think that adult education was like school – boring. But now I have experienced it, my beliefs have changed. I have learned so much and made many new friends at the same time. I am so proud of my accomplishments, both for me and my family. When my children are older I would like them to go into Higher Education so that I will be as proud of them as my family is of me. It is hard, but if you want it, you have to work at it”.

Hayley is a mother of two young children. She attends a ‘Young mothers group’ at a Blakenall community centre in Walsall, West Midlands. Here, she can share experiences with other young mothers and find out about training courses and learning opportunities open to her through Aimhigher.

Basic Computer Training

“Not having studied since leaving school, I was a little apprehensive about embarking on something new, but I decided it was time to undertake training in some shape or form, so I signed up for a ‘basic computing course’. This was great – I learned so much in just ten weeks.”

The course taught Hayley the basics of computer packages including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and other industry recognised systems. “I learned how to organise my documents, as well as understand the Windows environment as a whole.”

“I discovered that joining a training course wasn’t as daunting as I had expected – it is totally different to what I have been used to. I looked forward to learning new things each week and I noticed my confidence growing too”.

Hayley attended the two-hour training sessions on a weekly basis at a centre close to her home. “I didn’t think it would be possible to learn whilst I had a young family, but Aimhigher put me in touch with people that offered me support in all areas including finance, travel and childcare – it was straightforward”.

Progression to College

With renewed determination and the drive to acquire new skills, Hayley decided to investigate what courses were on offer at her local colleges. With the help of the Aimhigher project worker, Hayley was given straightforward advice on the types of courses available and guidance on the course she would need to take if she had a chosen career in mind.  Hayley is now undertaking a 3-year part-time ‘hair and beauty’ course at Walsall Collegeof Arts & Technology. Upon successful completion, she will be awarded an industry recognised NVQ qualification that will help her realise her goal of working in this industry.

What next?

Following successful completion of her course, Hayley would like to undertake a Higher Education qualification (a study above A level or equivalent).

“I want to better myself so that I can provide nice things for me and my family. I didn’t realise that there is so much out there to do and learn. Whatever you are interested in, there is something for everyone to study.

Hair and beauty is an area that I really enjoy and this type of work will allow me to work around the hours of my children’s schooling”. “Aimhigher has helped me by giving me advice with all aspects of learning, as well as put me in touch with many other useful contacts”.