‘Sign Up Now’ campaign launched Friday, January 15, 2010 - 11:49

Sign Up Now - the sister campaign to Adult Learners' Week - is inspiring adults to learn new skills throughout 2010 to improve their health, get a better job, boost their confidence or just for the pleasure of discovering a new talent.

The campaign is being delivered across the country, through hundreds of local colleges, adult education centres, museums, libraries and other community and voluntary organisations; offering courses ranging from numeracy and computer skills to dressmaking and interpreting dreams.

To help anyone finding it hard to take up learning or get back to work, NIACE has published The Really Useful Book of Learning and Earning 2010. The book includes useful information on managing your money and getting a job.

Michael Douglas, aged 31, from Norwich, was homeless and on benefits when he joined Street Life Soccer. Despite a 13-year break from education, he successfully completed a 30-week course combining education and sports skills training. Since then, Michael has supported new homeless students at Street Life Soccer and has volunteered with Football in the Community coaching children. He has two part-time jobs - one with Norwich FC and another as a support worker for the YMCA.

Michael said:

"I have gained employment because of the skills I've learnt. Learning also helped me achieve my dreams of helping people and coaching. Without learning I wouldn't be the same person that I am now."

Mary Jarvis, aged 55, from Peterborough, joined the NHS as a cleaner when she was 36 and has since taken every opportunity to develop herself by learning essential work skills. Recently she has achieved NVQ Level 2 in Care, NVQ Level 3 in General Healthcare and is currently studying for NVQ Level 3 in Perioperative Care. She is now working as a Perioperative Assistant.

Mary said:

"I wanted to learn because I wanted to better myself. Learning has boosted my confidence, given me a focus and made me feel more worthy. Learning has given me a career rather than just a job."

Learning has never been more flexible...this year in particular there are even more exciting opportunities on offer, due the hundreds of Learning Revolution Transformation Fund projects taking place across the country

Kamy Basra, Campaigns Officer at NIACE

Gary Peel, aged 49, from Retford, worked for 30 years at a supermarket chain but left after a serious breakdown in his mental health. As a way to recovery, Gary was encouraged to return to learning by his health counselor. After gaining a range of qualifications, he found paid employment as a Teaching Assistant at a local primary school.

Gary said:

"Learning gave me an order to my life when I was ill. The more I learn and achieve, the more I want to go on to the next stage. Learning has helped me to change career."

Kamy Basra, Campaigns Officer at NIACE said:

"Make this year count. In these tough economic times the benefits of learning and improving our skills has never been more important - whether it is to stay in a job, or to get a job in the first place."

"Learning has never been more flexible. There are short bite-sized courses, or part-time, evening and distance learning options, with or without a qualification. And this year in particular there are even more exciting opportunities on offer, due the hundreds of Learning Revolution Transformation Fund projects taking place across the country."

"Many people find a new lease of life when they decide to learn something new, so you may just want to take up learning for fun! To find out what's on offer where you are, call Careers Advice free on 0800 100 900. Taking up learning could transform your year."