Festival of Learning Event

Adult learners from across Salford were treated to a celebratory lunch and awarded certificates to mark their achievements with the Family, Adult and Community Learning Service at an event in Salford at the Broadwalk Training Centre (Pendleton).

Many of the 170 people who gained qualifications were taking their first step back into learning and have been very successful with a 92% pass rate. Even better, the courses such as Skills for Life and literacy and numeracy have helped people back into employment or further training.

One participant took their first steps back into learning with a numeracy and literacy course and now has gone on to study an NVQ Teaching Assistant course and wants to become a teaching assistant next year.

'Doing the literacy and numeracy course in school has really boosted my confidence, especially with the maths. I can now help my children with their maths homework as I have been taught using the same methods that they use in school.'

Some of the learners unfortunately couldn't make the achievement ceremony because they are actually working full-time now. Others have signed up for higher level courses to continue their enthusiasm for learning and improving their future prospects.

One particularly successful group was the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group of which 80% were successful in achieveing at least 1 ESOL award with the University of Cambridge Examinations Board.

Cllr Keith Mann, lead member for Community Services said: 'I want to congratulate all the adult learners, this is a great achievement. It is good to hear that residents have not only enjoyed their new learning experience, but have gone on to find work or further training as a result of doing so well.'

Our thanks go to the Community Development Foundation for funding this event!