A perfect fit
Guest contribution for Adult Learners’ Week from Kim Thorneywork, Chief Executive at the Skills Funding Agency (SFA).
Helping people reach their full potential is what it’s all about at the National Careers Service. So working hand in hand with Adult Learners’ Week, which kicks off tomorrow, is a perfect fit for us and we are always delighted to be involved.
I believe that learning transforms lives. The weeklong celebration of the benefits of learning encourages adults to take part in the many activities during the week – and beyond! I’m really pleased that the National Careers Service can be there to help people find out what’s on offer.
The benefits of learning are universal, but people learn in so many different ways. Further education courses and qualifications offer very flexible learning that allows people to learn at a time, and in a place, that suits them. There are a huge range of FE options for whatever stage in life or career people have reached, all widely available in local communities across the country.
From my own experience, I know that the world of learning in FE can offer success and fulfilment for both individuals and employers, helping both play their part in improving skills in England in a way that contributes to economic growth. Skills deliver real economic benefits to individuals, to the communities they live in, and to the country as a whole. In these challenging economic times, learning becomes more important than ever before, playing a vital part in building a sustainable economy, nourishing social mobility and feeding social justice.
The National Careers Service is here to help right now, and it can. We are committed to getting people the right information, advice and guidance on learning and work, at the right time, whether that’s during Adult Learners’ Week or any other week.
The wider service is available to everyone aged 13 and over in England and there are many ways to make contact to receive quality information and advice at a time that suits the individual person. Customers can either call free on 0800 100 900 to speak to an adviser, or visit the interactive website for information, to use the useful online tools or speak to an adviser via webchat. For those over 18, a face to face service with advisers is available, giving personalised guidance on learning options so that people can move on in their careers and find the perfect fit for their ambitions, whatever their circumstance.
There is more information on events and taster sessions taking place through Adult Learners’ Week 2013 from the National Careers Service helpline or at http://www.alw.org.uk/events.
