Royal Borough of Greenwich champions adult learning this September

September marks the return to school, college or university for many – but you don’t have to be in full-time education to join the class. We are celebrating all things adult learning in Royal Greenwich, showcasing our skills providers and amplifying the achievements of learners to inspire others.  

Find out from this year's Adult and Community Award winners how adult learning has sparked creativity – from the writing lessons that produced a budding author to the art class learner who exhibited their artwork at the House of Lords – and led to incredible career progression – such as the student on a construction starter course who advanced to become the tutor. 

Greenwich Learns offers a range of courses in partnership with our skills providers. Part-time, evening classes, online, in-person or hybrid sessions covering a range of subjects such business, life skills, personal development, creative courses, employability and many more. 

Delivered on behalf of the council by training partners such as London South East Colleges and Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency, we have provided over 500 courses to over 3000 local and London learners, with students achieving a 100 per cent pass rate last year.  

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports said: “Learning doesn’t stop when we leave school: it is a life-long journey. We know that learning improves well-being and increases the chance of securing a good job. Having top class adult and community learning not only boosts self-confidence – it enables career progression and can even impart the know-how needed to start your own business. Adult learning plays a crucial part in building a more inclusive economy. I have seen first-hand the life changing impact our programmes have on learners that have attended courses with our providers.” 

We are also expanding the offer later this autumn to enhance construction skills training and introduce family and early years learning. Many courses are free; the rest are both affordable and provide exceptional value for money. 

It is never too late to learn something new – be that for work, personal growth, or just the pleasure of learning itself. 

Greenwich Learns is funded by the Mayor of London and rated good by OFTSED. For more information, please visit greenwichlearns.org.uk 

Read more about our Learners of the Year

Elizabeth Briscoe (nominated by GCDA) 

Course: Creative Writing 

Elizabeth has been part of the creative writing class since 2022. Her confidence and skills have grown considerably over this time, and she’s become a brilliant writer. Elizabeth has recently completed a fascinating and beautifully described autobiography of her great aunt, Auntie Lottie, which starts with her aunt’s early life growing up in Jamaica through to her experiences of coming to the UK in the 1960s, ending at the present day. Elizabeth is now working on a novel, and she hopes to find a publisher.  Despite a very busy life – working and being a carer for her autistic son – Elizabeth has rarely missed a lesson and is supportive of her fellow learners. 

Elizabeth said: “This learning journey has changed me deeply, both personally and professionally. Writing gives me clarity, purpose, and a creative outlet that has greatly improved my mental health. It helps me manage stress, connect with my emotions, and find joy in expressing myself. My family and friends have noticed the difference – I'm more at peace, more confident, and more open than I’ve ever been.

It has also helped me progress in my career. I now work in a lettings agency where my writing skills are appreciated and essential. Whether I’m crafting clear property descriptions or communicating with clients, my ability to write well is a key part of my professional identity. What started as a personal goal has become something much greater - a lifelong passion with real impact.”  

Adam Vaughan (nominated by Flower Skills)

Course: In2Construction 

Adam spent time abroad as a chef but gained some construction work experience whilst living in Spain. When he came back to the UK, he took on jobs in different sectors but thought that construction was the best career move and was referred to the In2Construction course by the Department of Work and Pensions. After completing the course, Adam achieved a City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills, City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment and passed his CSCS test.

During the programme, Adam was often seen helping and offering advice to the other learners, so was approached by a member of staff to see if he would like to do work experience placement as a tutor. Adam ended up in a full-time role with Flower Skills and become a valued member of the team. Whilst working as tutor, Adam has achieved his Level 3 Award in Education and Training with a view to start Level 4. 

Tobi Onikoyi (nominated by UCRA - Uganda Community Relief Association)

Course: Adult Care Level 3 

Tobi first undertook a Level 2 diploma in Health Social Care and then progressed to Level 3 diploma in Adult Care. Tobi was unemployed when he first joined but got a job as a support worker in a domiciliary care, juggling studies with work and never missed any sessions. Tobi has since been promoted to senior manager and is very supportive of his junior staff, referring over 30 new learners from his team to also study with UCRA. Tobi is a member of the Employer Forum that works with UCRA to co-design training programmes. He has been involved in external quality assessment visits and worked with UCRA during an OFSTED inspection. 

Kathy Hodder (nominated by London South East Colleges)

Course: Art Mixed Media 

Kathy produces artwork to a professional exhibition standard and blends styles in ceramics, printmaking, collage, painting and drawing. Kathy has a strong ethos in sustainability, preferring to reuse materials such as paper rather than dispose of them unnecessarily. Kathy assists in the planning and display of her classmates’ artwork in regular exhibitions to showcase the achievements of all learners. Kathy herself had the accolade of representing London South East Colleges when her work was exhibited at an event organised by Lord David Blunkett and the Association of Colleges at the House of Lords.

Carmen Jaskulke (nominated by Global Solution Services)

Course: Work Club 

Carmen attended Work Club, a course aimed at helping people find work, following a career break. After a initial rejections, Carmen applied the techniques and skills she learned to successfully secure a business administration apprenticeship with Royal Borough of Greenwich, aspiring to progress into youth work. Carmen’s resilience and perseverance show that you can still achieve your goal despite temporary setbacks.  

Thriyasha Kodi (nominated by The Training Place of Excellence)

Courses: Accounts and Accounting Sofware; Employability and Transferable Skills 

Thriyasha moved to the UK in 2008 from Sri Lanka to join her husband who was studying at Greenwich University. Working in customer support, Thriyasha wanted to get into accounting but had no experience in that field, so applied for courses in accounts and accounting software, employability and transferable skills. This not only gave Thriyasha the skills and experience she needed, but with English being her second language, Thriyasha has grown in confidence and is now working as an Accounts Assistant.

Ayse Canatar (nominated by Community Systems)

Courses: English Speaking and Listening; Functional Maths

Ayse came to the UK from Cyprus in 1984 and has lived in Woolwich for forty years, where she brought up her three children and is now a grandmother to their children. Ayse had been working as a seamstress in a launderette until recently and now volunteers at a local charity shop. She was referred to Community Systems to improve her spoken English and get assistance in finding paid work. Ayse brought bounds of energy into the classroom. She is inquisitive, has a great sense of humour and is not afraid to ask questions. Ayse is kind and shows compassion towards her fellow learners. 

Janine Wakelam (nominated by Unity Works)

Courses: Assertive Communication Skills; Independent Job Searching; My Career; Using Your Voice; Pathways to Employment: Green Jobs; Understanding and Managing Relationships 

Janine has completed a range of courses for personal development and gained vital life skills to navigate the outside world with confidence. Throughout her journey, Janine has shown dedication, growth, and a strong willingness to support others. Janine has begun volunteering and is ready to take the next step into employment.