Mayor of London’s Adult Learning Awards 2023 Winners
Following last year’s huge success, The Mayor of London hosted the second-ever Adult Learning Awards to celebrate adult learning in the capital and the achievements of learners, learning providers, employers and community organisations.
As the partner sponsor for this event, Ascentis extends heartfelt congratulations to each inspiring winner. Their commitment to adult learning has not only transformed their own lives but has also celebrated the importance of adult learning in the capital, and champion London’s skills sector.
As a leading awarding organisation and the largest provider of ESOL qualifications in London, Ascentis are proud to play a part in recognising the outstanding achievements of learners and education providers in these awards.
See what the Group CEO of Ascentis and the Mayor of London had to say about the award ceremony below.
Phil Wilkinson, Group CEO of Ascentis, said: “We’re proud to sponsor the Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards, and be part of this fantastic event for the second year running. At Ascentis we see the life-changing impact of adult learning every day, from taking a first step into work to boosting career progression. Congratulations to all the inspirational winners recognised in this year’s ceremony.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to making sure that all Londoners, whatever their age, have the opportunity to learn new skills, fulfil their potential and access good quality jobs.
“I would like to congratulate all the inspiring winners and nominees of my Adult Learning Awards for their commitment and for showing us that it’s never too late to learn something new.
“I will continue to do all that I can to make adult learning more accessible as we build a fairer, better and more prosperous London for everyone.”
The full list of winners are:
Inspirational Adult Learner of the Year
Winner: Nabeel Ahmed
Nabeel arrived in the UK alone, severely disabled and unable to speak English. Enrolling on an ESOL course at New City College has helped him adapt to the UK, gain skills in English, maths and computing. He is now working towards higher level study and hopes to find employment soon.
Learning for Personal Progression
Winner: Charlie Kebell
Through enrolling on Adult Learning Lewisham’s Supported Learning Maths, English and Work skills courses, Charlie completed a four-month work experience placement programme at a café and is now working as a theatre assistant. He has made new friends and gained skills and confidence.
Learning for Good Work Award
Winner: Benjamin Lees
Benjamin completed London Ambulance Service’s front-line level 4 ambulance apprenticeship in 2020. In 2021, he successfully gained a place to undertake the paramedic degree apprenticeship, alongside working frontline with the London Ambulance Service and aspires to become a paramedic within the next year.
Distinguished Provider of Adult Education
Winner: London Skills and Development Network
London Skills and Development Network offers learning opportunities to people who are the most marginalised in society. Their learners go on to good-quality and sustainable careers in education, transport, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, public services, and as teachers, mentors, mental health advocates and public safety officers.
Inclusive Provider of Adult Education
Winner: Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Having identified that many of their staff want to progress but are lacking the necessary maths and English skills, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust organised conversation clubs, night schools and an internal skills hub to support staff learning maths and English. They go the extra mile to support entry-level staff and accommodate those with families, making learning more accessible than before.
Learning for Good Work Employer of the Year
Winner: SEND COFFEE
SEND Coffee helps young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to work as baristas in their cafes, offering them mentoring and training and paying them a London Living Wage while they learn.
Apprenticeship Employer of the Year
Winner: London Ambulance Service NHS Trust
London Ambulance Service NHS Trust offers an apprenticeship frontline ambulance career pathway which allows individuals with no clinical experience or qualifications to join the service and progress to becoming a paramedic in just over four years. They currently have around 650 apprentices undertaking the pathway.
Outreach and Engagement of Adults into Learning Award
Winner: Unfold
Unfold is a not-for-profit programme offering one-to-one mentoring provided by trained, supervised volunteers, and running unique peer support groups for women and non-binary people, including those seeking asylum, in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.
Inspirational Tutor in Adult Education Award
Winner: Anastasiia Trubkina
Having been an English teacher in Ukraine, Anastasiia joined MI ComputSolutions and started teaching ESOL when she came to the UK. In just a year, she quickly expanded her ability to teach at all levels and provides valuable guidance and support to refugee and migrant learners.
Inspirational Professional in Adult Education Award
Winner: Danijela Skoric
As ESOL Curriculum Manager at Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service, Danijela supports ESOL learners with practical queries as well as their health and well-being by guiding them to resources for enrichment opportunities and employment services. She also mentors new lecturers and works behind-the-scenes to improve teaching quality.
