Adult learning award winners celebrated across Kirklees
Adult learners from across Kirklees came together to celebrate overcoming challenges, gaining new qualifications and transforming their lives at the Kirklees Adult Learning Awards 2026.
Now in their 23rd year, the awards took place on 22 October at the University of Huddersfield, celebrating 24 winners across 20 categories.
The awards recognise adults who have developed new skills, grown in confidence and taken positive steps towards employment, volunteering and further opportunities through adult learning opportunities available in Kirklees.
Kirklees supports more than 1,000 adults each year through a wide range of courses, helping people improve their skills, health and wellbeing, confidence and employment prospects.
Cllr Sarah Wood, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“These awards celebrate the determination, resilience and achievements of people across Kirklees.
“Every learner’s journey is unique. Some have overcome significant personal challenges, others have gained qualifications to secure work or progress their careers, while many have developed the confidence and skills to support their communities and pursue new ambitions.
“Their stories show the life-changing impact learning can have at any stage of life. I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and everyone who has taken part in adult learning over the past year.”
The event opened with a keynote speech from Wayne Keating, Director of Student Curriculum and Operations at the University of Leeds, who spoke about the importance of recognising individual achievements and how everyone’s learning journey is different.
He said:
“Success is not about comparing ourselves with other people, it is about recognising our own distance travelled … not geographically, but personally and professionally.”
He also encouraged learners to be proud of how far they had come and to recognise the opportunities they had created for themselves.
Celebrating individual achievements
The awards recognised a wide range of achievements, from gaining qualifications and securing employment to overcoming personal challenges and making a difference in local communities.
Among the winners was Sanchez Wilson, who received the Exceptional Learner of the Year award, nominated by Realise Training.
Sanchez continued with his learning despite facing significant personal challenges, including serious health difficulties and a period of homelessness.
He remained committed to attending his course, completing his work to a high standard and supporting fellow learners. He also used the learning centre’s facilities to look for employment and accommodation.
Having since secured a place in a house share, Sanchez is now looking towards a future working in youth sports or supporting people with challenging behaviours.
For Asma Noor, learning has helped her take an important step into employment. After completing a Level 2 Food Safety qualification through Crosland Moor Community Learning Centre, she secured a lunchtime assistant role at a local school.
Despite English not being her first language and balancing family responsibilities, Asma completed her course and gained the skills to help her contribute financially to her family.
Learning that makes a difference in the community
Adult learning can also help people develop the confidence and skills to support others.
Umbreen Khadim, winner of the Community Impact Award, initially joined Ravensthorpe Community Centre with limited confidence in using technology.
After enrolling on Basic IT Skills and Employability courses, she progressed to volunteering as an assistant in ESOL classes and discovered a passion for teaching.
She went on to gain a Level 3 Award in Education and Learning and now delivers community sessions, including crochet, sewing and design courses, helping other people develop skills, confidence and social connections.
Other winners included Emily Armstrong, who secured an apprenticeship with Charley’s Angels Day Nursery after completing a Kirklees Skills Bootcamp, and Mehdi Shafei, who progressed from volunteering with Immigration Asylum Support Kirklees to securing a role as a Housing Advisor, supporting people to find affordable housing.
The Hillside Group also received the Group Award in recognition of how its members have developed into a supportive learning community, building confidence, communication skills and stronger social connections.
New skills, new opportunities
The awards highlighted the many ways adult learning can help people gain qualifications, improve confidence, access employment opportunities and make a positive difference in their communities.
There are a wide range of adult learning courses available across Kirklees, offering opportunities for people at different stages of their lives and learning journeys.
Find out more about available courses and how to get involved on our website.