British Olympian backs Sign Up Now Monday, September 7, 2009 - 15:53

British Olympian, current UK record holder and Masterchef 2009 finalist, Iwan Thomas, is encouraging adults to take up learning this September and discover their hidden talents, by backing Sign Up Now - a national campaign from NIACE.

Iwan Thomas, said:

"We all have talents in life, it's only the lucky few that realise it. Don't be afraid to try things, it's only if we try that we can realise our potential. I honestly didn't think I could cook at all, I'm 35 and thought I was a rubbish cook. After doing Masterchef, I still don't think I'm brilliant but I'm a lot better than I thought I was."

"There's nothing free in life and nothing that's easy, anything that is worth achieving takes effort. For all those going back to learning I'd say don't be afraid to try new things because if you don't try you'll never know what your talents are."

There's nothing free in life and nothing that's easy, anything that is worth achieving takes effort.

Iwan Thomas

This year, Sign Up Now is also offering people the chance to win £100 worth of Learning Vouchers, by entering the Hidden Talent competition, explaining what they would most like their hidden talent to be and why.

 Iwan Thomas, continued:

"It doesn't matter what level you are at, I think everyone could learn to be the best they can be. That's why I think a person going back to education is a good thing; just because you haven't had the best start in life doesn't mean that you have to finish off there. It's not where you are from it's where you are at."

Sign Up Now - the sister campaign to Adult Learners' Week - runs at a time when local colleges, adult education centres, museums, libraries and other community and voluntary organisations nationwide will be showcasing the vast selection of courses on offer. These can vary from more traditional subjects like brushing up on numeracy and literacy skills and learning computer skills, to more unusual subjects like learning to analyse dreams.

Raksha Mistry, Publicity Co-ordinator at NIACE, said:

"Like Iwan, your learning may lead to the discovery of a hidden talent. It could be your chance to learn a new language, brush up on your reading and writing or learn to dance. You could earn a qualification that will lead to a promotion or your dream job or you could learn about something just for the fun of it."

"Many people find that their confidence and well-being increases when they decide to learn something new and there are adults across the country who are proof of how learning transforms lives. To find out what's on offer where you are, call Careers Advice free on 0800 100 900. Taking up learning could transform your life."