Adult Student Week 2026
Welcome to Adult Student Week 2026
At Preston College, we are incredibly proud of every adult student who chooses to study with us. Whether they are taking their first step back into education, developing new skills for work, changing careers or simply pursuing a lifelong ambition, every adult student brings determination, courage and a willingness to invest in their future.
We never underestimate the trust placed in us. Returning to education is a significant decision, often made whilst balancing work, family and other responsibilities. It takes commitment, resilience and ambition, and we are privileged that so many people choose Preston College to support them on that journey.
Throughout the week, we will celebrating adult student successes, and explore why lifelong learning has never mattered more for individuals, employers and the future of Lancashire.
We hope these case studies and insights inspire others to discover what is possible through education.
Simon Nixon
Principal and Chief Executive
Real People. Real Stories. Real Possibilities
Why Adult Education Matters More Than Ever
Adult education is rarely just about gaining a qualification. More often, it begins with a single decision – to believe that life can still change. Whether it leads to a new career, renewed confidence or a long-held ambition finally realised, learning opens doors that many adults never imagined were still within reach.
For generations, education was viewed as something that happened at the beginning of life. We studied at school or college, perhaps went to university, found a career and remained on that path until retirement.
Today’s world looks very different. That’s why adult education matters more than ever.
Overcoming Barriers & Building a Brighter Future
After overcoming challenges with addiction, Terry knew he wanted a fresh start and believed education could be part of that change. When he attended a Preston College Adult Open Event, one message stayed with him:
“No matter what life has thrown at you, your past doesn’t define your future.”
Read Terry’s full story here
Rebuilding a Future Through Adult Education
When war forced Iryna to leave her home in Ukraine, she arrived in the UK with the daunting task of rebuilding her life in a new country, learning a new language, finding work, and becoming part of a new society.
Determined to create new opportunities, Iryna enrolled on an ESOL course at Preston College.
Read Iryna’s full story here
The First Step Towards a Lifetime of Opportunities
When Alan first walked through the doors of Preston College, he was looking for an opportunity to build a better future – he couldn’t have imagined just how much his life was about to change.
“I learnt that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it and put in the effort. The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step, and Preston College was mine.”
Read Alan’s full story here
Building a Better Future Through New Skills
Determined to make a fresh start in his life, Matthew joined the Level 1 Diploma in Plumbing at Preston College with a clear goal – to build a positive future by learning a skilled trade.
“Preston College was my first choice because it’s the best college. The tutors have supported me throughout my course and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. I’ve learned valuable skills, grown in confidence and I’m excited about what the future holds.”
Read Matthew’s full story here
Where Creativity Meets Entrepreneurship
After first studying Media Makeup and Hair at Preston College, Melanie returned to build on her creative talents and take the next step towards achieving her ambition of becoming self-employed.
Now studying the Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing, Melanie is developing the technical skills, confidence and industry knowledge needed to transform her passion into a successful business.
“The tutors are so supportive and understanding and they’ve really helped me work towards my goals. Preston College is just the right fit for me.”
Read Melanie’s full story here
Rediscovering Confidence Through Learning
Determined to achieve the English Functional Skills Level 2 qualification she had previously missed, Natalie returned to Preston College to strengthen her skills and grow in confidence, both academically and in everyday situations.
With the encouragement of her tutors and the support of those around her, Natalie now feels ready to take the next step in her learning journey by progressing into Health and Social Care.
“I feel much more confident and ready to move forward with my studies and future career.”
Read Natalie’s full story here
Skills for Lancashire: The Ripple Effect
Every successful economy has one thing in common – people with the right skills.
Behind every successful business is a skilled workforce, and behind every skilled workforce is education. That is why developing local talent has never mattered more.
Lancashire is home to world-leading manufacturers, innovative engineering companies, thriving health and social care providers, a growing digital sector, and an ambitious green economy. Together, these industries are driving economic growth, innovation and opportunity across the county.
Yet many employers are facing the same challenge: how do we ensure our workforce has the skills to keep pace with rapid technological change, an ageing workforce and evolving industry needs?
The answer isn’t simply attracting talent from elsewhere. It lies in developing the talent we already have through lifelong learning – one of the most important investments Lancashire can make for individuals, businesses, and communities.
At Preston College, we see the impact of that investment every day.
Read the full story here
Developing Higher Technical Skills for the Future
After 14 years working at Preston College in a variety of roles, Matthew wanted to continue developing his skills and prepare for the next stage of his career. Enrolling on the HNC Construction Management course he saw the opportunity to gain higher-level technical knowledge that would benefit his career development.
“The course has given me new skills and confidence to progress within the College, which will benefit both myself and my workplace.”
Read Matthew’s full story here
Developing Skills to Make a Greater Difference
After completing his apprenticeship, Aaron returned to Preston College with a clear purpose to develop the knowledge and teaching skills needed to strengthen the education he provides through his alternative provision centres in Blackpool and Preston. By investing in his own professional development, he is helping to create even greater opportunities for the learners in his care.
“I’ve learned so much and built a foundation to make a real impact in my community.”
Read Aaron’s full story here
Building New Skills for a New Direction
After successfully completing the Level 1 Construction Multi Skills course, Naomi returned to Preston College ready to build on her practical skills and explore a new career path.
While working in an administrative role, Naomi wanted to challenge herself and discover whether a career in the trades could be right for her. By enrolling on the Level 2 Diploma in Property Maintenance, she developed practical skills across a range of disciplines and uncovered a talent for hands-on work.
“The adult courses at Preston College are second to none, and it makes a huge difference to learn somewhere you feel valued as an individual.”
Read Naomi’s full story here
Recognising an Extraordinary Journey
Named Preston College’s School of Service Industries Adult Student of the Year, Ashkan’s journey is one of ambition, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to achieving her goals.
As a self-employed beauty professional, Ashkan returned to education to deepen her industry knowledge, gain recognised qualifications that could take her career to the next level. While studying, she balanced the demands of self-employment with family life and preparing for the arrival of her new baby.
“I chose Preston College because I’d heard so many great things. The staff are incredibly supportive, and the College helped with additional costs, which made the course possible for me. I never felt alone, every step of the way, someone was there to guide me.”
Read Ashkan’s full story here
Developing Skills for Professional Success
After previously changing careers, Robert wanted to deepen his knowledge of accounting and gain the professional skills needed to progress with confidence. In 2024, he enrolled on Preston College’s AAT Professional Accounting Technician course, balancing his studies alongside full-time work. Along the way, Robert faced personal challenges, but with determination and the support of his tutors, he remained focused and completed the course to an exceptional standard.
“Studying this course has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I now have the knowledge and confidence to contribute more effectively in my role and provide the professional insight I set out to achieve.”
Read Robert’s full story here
Finding the Confidence to Change Direction
After building a successful career in accountancy, Shima reached a point where she realised, she wanted something different. Having developed an interest in counselling, she decided to enrol on the Level 4 Counselling Diploma, determined to develop the knowledge and professional skills needed to begin a new career.
Balancing her studies alongside work, the course became much more than a qualification. It was a journey of personal growth that challenged her, built her confidence and helped her discover strengths she never knew she had.
“During this course, I found out so much about myself. I learnt new skills, met new people and discovered strengths I didn’t know I had. This was a personal journey for me, and I really enjoyed it.”
Read Shima’s full story here
Redefining Higher Education: Why a Modern Model Matter
Higher Education has rarely been under greater scrutiny. Rising tuition fees, changing career pathways and the growth of apprenticeships and technical qualifications have prompted many people to ask whether university study is still worthwhile.
It’s an important conversation. But perhaps we’re asking the wrong question.
Rather than asking whether Higher Education still has value, perhaps we should ask what kind of Higher Education delivers the greatest value for today’s students, employers and communities.
For many years, Higher Education followed a familiar path: leave school, move away, study full-time and begin a career. While that remains the right choice for many, it is no longer the only route into higher-level learning.
Today’s students have different ambitions, responsibilities and expectations. Many return to study after years away from education, developing new skills to progress in their career, change direction or balance learning alongside work, family and caring responsibilities.
As a result, the offer needs to become more flexible, more accessible and more closely connected to employers than ever before.
Read the full story here
Building Digital Skills and Unlocking New Opportunities
Wanting to feel more confident using technology in both her career and her business, Mercy decided to return to education and enrol on the Essential Digital Skills course.
Since returning to learning, she’s developed practical digital skills that have made everyday tasks easier and given her greater confidence using technology. More importantly, the course has shown her that learning something new doesn’t have to feel daunting and that developing new skills can be both rewarding and empowering.
“The course has really helped me build my confidence in digital skills, and I already seeing the difference my new skills are making in both everyday life and my business. I’ve learned so much and felt really supported throughout my studies.”
Read Mercy’s full story here
Turning Life Experience into Purpose
Inspired by her own experiences of mental health challenges and the loss of her brother to addiction, Kerry-Lee decided to return to education with a clear purpose: to better understand mental health and build a career supporting others.
After completing her Level 1 and Level 2 counselling courses, she continued her progression by enrolling on the Foundation Degree in Person Centred Counselling & Psychotherapy. Alongside her studies, Kerry-Lee has undertaken a placement at Horizon, where she supports people in recovery from addiction. After graduating, she hopes to continue working in counselling helping others rebuild their lives.
“This course has been fantastic. The staff have all been amazing, from the tutors and their guidance, to the support staff, and the library team, who have helped me with my academic work.”
Read Kerry Lee’s full story here
Building Practical Skills for Employment
Wanting to improve his employment prospects and develop practical skills that employers value, Philip enrolled on the Level 2 Property Maintenance course. The opportunity to learn a range of trades within one course made it the ideal starting point for what he was looking to achieve.
Throughout the course, Philip has developed hands-on skills across a variety of property maintenance tasks, from using tools safely and correctly to preparing and mixing materials.
“I’ve really enjoyed the course. The tutors have been great and are always willing to spend time listening and helping you work through any problems you face.”
Read Philip’s full story here
It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Ambition
After spending more than 40 years away from education, Sarah took the courageous step of enrolling on the Science Access to Higher Education course, determined to pursue her ambition of studying Forensic and Criminal Psychology at the University of Lancashire.
Returning to the classroom after so many years felt daunting, but with the encouragement of her tutors, Sarah quickly grew in confidence, developing new academic and digital skills that have transformed both her learning and her self-belief.
“The tutors were absolutely amazing. They really encouraged me and supported me throughout the whole course. When I started, I could barely use a computer, and they were incredible in helping me every step of the way.”
Read Sarah’s full story here
If you’re ready to inspire others and share your journey, we’d love to hear from you. Email our Marketing Team at marketing@preston.ac.uk to get involved. Alternatively, fill out this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.