People across the region have until Friday 2 February 2024 to nominate individual learners, tutors, learning providers or employers who inspire them – with 12 awards up for grabs. Winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on 27 June 2024.

This might be a tutor who has transformed adult’s learning experiences, an individual taking a leap into a new course, a learning provider going above and beyond in their community or an employer creating opportunities for local people to progress in work.

The West Midlands Adult Learning Awards champion outstanding commitment in adult learning, skills and training funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). A collaboration between the WMCA and Learning and Work Institute, the inaugural Adult Learning Awards in 2023 received hundreds of submissions from across the West Midlands.

Awards range from Inspirational Adult Learner to Large Employer of the Year, covering the full spectrum of adult learning experiences across the West Midlands. Two new accolades for 2024 shine light on an individual learner via the Apprenticeship award and a provider or project offering Innovative Careers Intervention.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “I would encourage people right across our region to get their nominations in for the annual Adult Learning Awards.

“These awards are a wonderful chance to highlight and celebrate success - whether that’s on an individual level or thanks to the efforts of employers and other organisations that support learning.

“I look forward to hearing the stories that will spur others to take up learning opportunities - no matter what your age or previous experience - boosting wellbeing, career progression and employment prospects for local people.”

RMF Group (Right Move Forward), winners of the Engaging Adults in Learning award for 2023, set a high bar with their work designing training programmes and supporting people with convictions or who are long-term unemployed into jobs in the construction, rail and equine industries.

“It's important to engage adults in learning because they deserve the opportunity to realise their potential regardless of what they may or may not have achieved beforehand,” said Kathryn Michaels, Strategy and Growth Consultant at RMF.

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio lead for skills and productivity and leader of Coventry City Council, added: “The Adult Learning Awards are an opportunity to celebrate individuals and organisations who have achieved significant milestones and broken down barriers in adult learning across the West Midlands.

“Following the exciting awards held in 2023, I’m looking forward to hearing further inspirational stories and achievements and to showcase the ways we continue to support more people to improve their employment prospects. If you haven’t already, make sure you submit your nominations by the 2 February deadline.”

Stephen Evans, chief executive of Learning and Work Institute, said: “We look forward to celebrating 12 incredible new winners this year. Learning can have a transformational impact on individuals, businesses and communities – this is an exciting opportunity for residents in the West Midlands to tell their stories of how adult learning changes lives and is shaping this region for the better.”

You can find more information about the awards, including how to nominate, on the WMCA website.

For queries about the awards, please email: westmidawards@learningandwork.org.uk.