Meet our learners - Simon

26 February 2026 By Marketing

Unlocking Career Progression Through Adult Education

After three decades working in the NHS, Simon reached a pivotal point in his career. To progress into leadership development and further study, he needed a formal qualification in maths – something he had not studied for almost 30 years.

Like many adults returning to learning, Simon initially felt uncertain about stepping back into education after such a long break. However, with a clear goal in mind and strong personal motivation, he committed to the challenge:

‘It’s probably never too late to learn,’ Simon reflects. ‘It is harder when you’re older — you’ve got competing priorities. I was working full time and I’ve got a primary school aged daughter, so it does make it more challenging.’

Balancing work, family life and study required discipline and determination. Simon protected his study time, fully engaged in weekly sessions and wasn’t afraid to ask for extra help when he needed it. He credits the personalised support he received as key to rebuilding his confidence. ‘I’m one of those people that needs to keep practising to build confidence. I linked in with the tutor outside of sessions, and she was really proactive in sending example exam papers.’

Successfully achieving his Maths qualification unlocked access to apprenticeship levy funding, enabling Simon to pursue degree level and postgraduate ambitions that had previously been out of reach. Adult education became the gateway to the next stage of his career, opening doors to leadership and professional growth within the NHS.

Beyond career progression, Simon was driven by a deeply personal motivation: setting a positive example for his daughter. He wanted to be confident supporting her education and to show that learning is a lifelong journey.

Today, Simon is a strong advocate for adult education. He actively recommends Learn Devon to colleagues, highlighting the quality of support and expertise he experienced. ‘That commitment, how they’re configured, the expertise of the trainers — it’s beyond anything I’ve experienced before.’

Simon’s story demonstrates that with the right support, commitment and belief, adult education can transform confidence, unlock opportunity, and create lasting change at any stage of life.