Local learners nominated for a national award

Date published: 02 February 2009

Two learners from Bury have been nominated for the national Adult Learners’ Week Awards 2009, a nationally recognized award co-ordinated by The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

The first nominee from Bury is Alan Porter, who was unable to return to work as a Fire Officer following an injury. Alan studied Word Processing with Bury Learning Libraries and now uses his new skills to assist inmates in local prisons with job seeking. He also volunteers at the Creative Living mental health day centre in Prestwich, helping clients in the computer suite.

The second nominee is Mike Horwood, after being made redundant in 2007, has achieved the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) qualification within a year. Mike has overcome personal difficulties to achieve this qualification and has studied whilst also caring for his wife on a full time basis. Mike feels that the ECDL qualification has given him the confidence to now look for part time work and he says: “There is nothing I won't have a go at on my computer now”.

Alan and Mike both took advantage of Bury Learning Libraries’ online courses, provided at Prestwich Library and Tottington Library. The online courses provide a flexible way to learn which fitted in with their voluntary and caring commitments.

Both learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement whilst winners will receive a learning voucher and be invited to an awards ceremony during Adult Learners’ Week in May.

For further information on courses available with Bury Learning Libraries visit our website:
www.coursesforyou.com/burylibraries.

You can also contact us by telephone on 0161 253 6870 (Prestwich), 0161 253 6470 (Tottington),
or send an e-mail to
burylearninglibraries.pw@bury.gov.uk (Prestwich)
burylearninglibraries.to@bury.gov.uk (Tottington)