Graham Kenny first got back into learning by taking French so he and his wife could get more out of their holidays.

A joiner for 25 years he was offered the opportunity to work with trainees at Indigo Training. Finding this was an obvious next step in his career Graham wanted a teaching qualification to help him in this new career.

He was advised that he should update his specialist trade qualifications first. Combining two-evenings a week at college, with the full-time working with trainees and part-time self-employment as a joiner he has now taken NVQs in Wood Occupations at Levels 1, 2 and 3 as well as a City & Guilds 3792 certificate in adult literacy at Level 2. Graham is now preparing to start a teacher training course at college.

Graham says, “I really enjoy working with the youngsters. There are fewer jobs available at the low-skilled end of the trade these days and I teach them the importance of getting as much training as possible all through your working life.” He says, “Learning has widened my opportunities in so many ways – from getting more out of holidays abroad to changing my career. It keeps your brain alive and it brought me into contact with a whole new set of people, of all ages and backgrounds.

I really enjoy the whole ethos of coming to college. I like being in the workshops, enjoyed the banter with the tutors and liked it when I can help the other lads on my course. It has never been a chore, it’s always been fun.”

Graham was nominated for his West Midlands Adult Learners' Week Award by Clare Chick of Staford College. 

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