 | | Anne Marie at college |
Anne Marie signed up for her first course at City College, Garrets Green in 1997. A single mother working as an office cleaner she decide that it was time to get a better life for herself and her two sons. Over the years studying at City College she has gained several qualifications in administration, IT and teacher training and has won a prestigious national adult learners award. She is now employed by City College as a course enquiry advisor where she gives advice to others who want to take up further education. Anne-Marie tells her story: | | Anne Marie at an evening class |
“Going back to education has really helped me to rebuild my confidence. "I would say to any adult who is thinking about going back to education that it's not just about the academic achievement you get at the end but you also get to learn more about yourself and you'll meet lots of new people. “The cleaning job I had before going back to college wasn't paying me enough to sustain me and my two boys, education was the only way forward for me.  | | Learn something new & get qualifications |
“Looking back I could have still been cleaning and wishing I could own my own house and car. But I came to realise there was no point in wishing if I can do something about it. "I stopped wishing and signed up for a course at college. Nine years on and I am now working for City College but I'm also still studying. “Learning equips you with the freedom to make better choices in your life…”“Learning is a pleasure not a chore. It's a chance to change things in your life which you thought were unchangeable. It's also a chance for you to grow and discover more about yourself.  | | Anne Marie working at City College |
“Further education is a second chance for people who left school with few or noqualifications and have settled for jobs they would rather not be in. Since signing up for that very first course nine years ago my whole world has opened up and I've gone on to do lots more courses. I've even got my mom into further education. “In my job role at City College I get to help others. City College has helped me so much over the years and I now have the chance to give something back. My learning journey started with a pair shoes“The first course I signed up for was NVQ level 2 in Administration. Whilst on the course I had to reveal to my tutors that I had a problem.  | | Anne Marie's shoe |
"As part of the course we had to dress in the appropriate role. My height is just over 6ft and I have size 12 ½ feet and I couldn't get a pair of ladies shoes to fit me to go with my suit for college. "The college tutors gave me the support and encouragement that made me determined to stay on the course. I went on a search for a pair of ladies shoes to fit me. I now specially order my shoes all the way from America. Anne Marie on BBC Local TVAnne Marie made a short film about her learning experience for BBC Birmingham TV. Anne Marie's film... National Adult Learners award 2006 winner | | Anne Marie at college |
Anne Marie has won national adult learners award and has also been nominated for a NIACE Adult Learners Week Award. The annual awards prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of adults who have gone back to further education. One of Anne Marie's tutors and mentor Liz Millman nominated Anne Marie for an award in 2006. Liz Millman explains: “I nominated Anne Marie because she is happy to share her personal story with everyone about how City College has made the difference to her life. Now she works at the college making a difference the other people's lives. “She has done so much and I am very proud of her...” Get more information about adult learningContact the BBC WM Action Desk to get your 'free magazine' packed with loads of information about adult learning and tips on where to start in getting a new career. BBC WM Action Desk:- Tel 08453 030 030Website link | 
