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Learning helps Matthew overcome challenging start to life

Matthew said, “I feel my life has turned around. Prior to all this I was always involved in fights and trouble, but now all I want to do is go to work and make a difference, not just to myself but others too. I hope that I am setting an example to others who have had challenges like myself" 

Matthew Davis, aged 21, from Walsall, is half way through an NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance and is hoping to enrol on a Masters in Business Administration, after a challenging start to life. His dedication and commitment to learning is being recognised with the Outstanding Individual Adult Learner Award – sponsored by the European Social Fund (ESF) - as part of Adult Learners’ Week 15 - 21 May 2010. 

Matthew, aged 21 had a challenging start to life; he left school without qualifications, served a prison sentence at an early age and started using drugs and alcohol. It was when he became a father, that he realised things had to change. As part of a training programme, he was referred to ‘Steps to Work’ and began work experience at Wolverhampton’s branch, helping other job seekers in a similar position to himself. Matthew wanted to improve his prospects and showed a passion for working with people so it was an ideal placement.

Matthew completed an NVQ level 1 in Business Administration and said, “I completed my NVQ portfolio within a few weeks as I had the determination and drive to complete so I could start my next level.” He is now half way through NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance and is hoping to enrol on a Masters in Business Administration in 2010.

Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said, “The incredible stories of all our Adult Learners’ Week award winners show just what can be achieved in life through determination, imagination and ambition. Matthew, like all of this year’s award winners, is proof of how learning can absolutely transform lives, often leading to new jobs and careers; and helping people to cope, or even overcome, the many challenges that they face. Hopefully millions of adults across the country will be inspired by Matthew’s story to take up learning and discover for themselves a whole new raft of opportunities.”