In a world where continuous learning is key to personal and professional success, one Cwmbran resident has grabbed the opportunity to learn with both hands.
John Sterry, 33, from Fairwater, decided to improve his education with the council’s Adult Community Learning (ACL) service back in 2021.
Since then, he has taken numerous courses at the Powerstation in Cwmbran, including English, Maths, and digital skills, and is now working towards studying psychology to become a counsellor.
Earlier this year, John was recognised as Torfaen ACL’s Learner of the Year at the Gwent Adult Community Learning Partnership Awards for his dedication to self-improvement.
John is now encouraging others who may be thinking of learning a new skill or lining up a new career to come forward and sign up for a course this Adult Learners Week.
He said, “When I first started out, I never imagined how much I would grow – not just in skills, but in confidence too. The support and encouragement I received and continue to receive from the ACL team has been invaluable.
“I was incredibly honoured to be named Learner of the Year and I want to encourage anyone thinking about taking a course to go for it. No matter your age or background, there is always something new to learn, and the experience can change your life.”
Torfaen Adult Community Learning provides a variety of free and paid for courses designed to inspire and support adults in their personal and professional development.
Courses are delivered at three centres across Torfaen and range from essential skills like English and Maths to vocational courses and leisure activities, as well as weekly classes.
Cllr Joanne Gauden, Torfaen Council Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: “John’s journey serves as an inspiration to others facing similar aspirations, reminding them that with perseverance and hard work, anything is possible.
“Our Adult Community Learning service plays a crucial role in upskilling our residents, directly supporting the council’s county plan objectives and fostering a more skilled and resilient community.”
The Gwent Adult Community Learning Partnership Awards were held in May.
The Torfaen Tutor of the Year award went to Angela Thomas, who teaches English as a second language courses and basic Spanish, and the Torfaen Group of the Year award went to the GCSE maths study group.
The prestigious Linda Bailey Hwyl Award went to local resident Shirley Evens, who has taken a number of adult learning courses, including GCSE maths and English, and now leads a maths study group.
For more information about Torfaen Adult Community Learning and the courses available, please visit Torfaen Council’s website or contact 01633 647647.