ADULT learners from across Thurrock were honoured at the annual adult commity college education awards – highlighting the hard work that adults have put in to secure their qualifications.

Hosted at the Thameside Theatre in Grays, the awards ceremony was filled with praise for adult learning completing both vocational and community learning courses.

Achievements were also celebrated across the college’s youth programmes – Prince’s Trust and MINT – plus college volunteers were thanked, including winner John Ironmonger who has been associated with the adult college for 25 years as a volunteer in adult maths classes.

College headteacher, Jaki Bradley congratulated all winners and finalists on the day.

She said: “The learner stories were truly inspirational as they shared their determination to succeed in spite of juggling busy lives and in some cases overcoming illness, learning difficulties and personal tragedy.

“Hearing how going back to education has transformed people’s lives both professionally and personally demonstrated perfectly the benefits of lifelong learning.”

Winners were announced across seven award categories throughout the morning alongside speeches from tutors who shared inspiring stories of winners and runners-up and the reasons for their nomination.

Awards were presented by Michele Lucas, assistant director of education and skills at Thurrock Council and a closing address was made from chair of governors, Mike Rawlings who made a request of the audience that “if you do only one thing today, tell somebody about all the adult learning opportunities at your community college”.

National Festival of Learning 2019 achievement certificates were also presented to Emma Elie and Leanne Drain.

The certificates aim to represent how lifelong learning can boost confidence – with the pair taking to the stage to share with the audience their individual learning journey stories.

The event was hosted by Neil Woodbridge, CEO at Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions CIC and Thurrock Adult Community College Governor.