Mayor of London’s Adult Learning Awards 2023 Winners

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m committed to making sure that all Londoners, whatever their age, have the opportunity to learn new skills, fulfil their potential and access good quality jobs.

“I would like to congratulate all the inspiring winners and nominees of my Adult Learning Awards for their commitment and for showing us that it’s never too late to learn something new.

“I will continue to do all that I can to make adult learning more accessible as we build a fairer, better and more prosperous London for everyone.”

The full list of winners are:

Inspirational Adult Learner of the Year

Winner: Nabeel Ahmed

Nabeel arrived in the UK alone, severely disabled and unable to speak English. Enrolling on an ESOL course at New City College has helped him adapt to the UK, gain skills in English, maths and computing. He is now working towards higher level study and hopes to find employment soon.

Learning for Personal Progression

Winner: Charlie Kebell

Through enrolling on Adult Learning Lewisham’s Supported Learning Maths, English and Work skills courses, Charlie completed a four-month work experience placement programme at a café and is now working as a theatre assistant. He has made new friends and gained skills and confidence.

Learning for Good Work Award

Winner: Benjamin Lees

Benjamin completed London Ambulance Service’s front-line level 4 ambulance apprenticeship in 2020. In 2021, he successfully gained a place to undertake the paramedic degree apprenticeship, alongside working frontline with the London Ambulance Service and aspires to become a paramedic within the next year.

Distinguished Provider of Adult Education

Winner: London Skills and Development Network

London Skills and Development Network offers learning opportunities to people who are the most marginalised in society. Their learners go on to good-quality and sustainable careers in education, transport, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, public services, and as teachers, mentors, mental health advocates and public safety officers.

Inclusive Provider of Adult Education

Winner: Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

Having identified that many of their staff want to progress but are lacking the necessary maths and English skills, Croydon Health Services NHS Trust organised conversation clubs, night schools and an internal skills hub to support staff learning maths and English. They go the extra mile to support entry-level staff and accommodate those with families, making learning more accessible than before.

Apprenticeship Employer of the Year

Winner: London Ambulance Service NHS Trust

London Ambulance Service NHS Trust offers an apprenticeship frontline ambulance career pathway which allows individuals with no clinical experience or qualifications to join the service and progress to becoming a paramedic in just over four years. They currently have around 650 apprentices undertaking the pathway.

Outreach and Engagement of Adults into Learning Award

Winner: Unfold

Unfold is a not-for-profit programme offering one-to-one mentoring provided by trained, supervised volunteers, and running unique peer support groups for women and non-binary people, including those seeking asylum, in Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea.

Inspirational Professional in Adult Education Award

Winner: Danijela Skoric

As ESOL Curriculum Manager at Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service, Danijela supports ESOL learners with practical queries as well as their health and well-being by guiding them to resources for enrichment opportunities and employment services. She also mentors new lecturers and works behind-the-scenes to improve teaching quality.