From Challenge to Achievement: Two Skills for Work Students Reach Prestigious West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards Finals
Skills for Work is celebrating the outstanding achievements of former learners Joanne Robinson and Alishba Tahir, who have been shortlisted as finalists in the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards 2026.
The West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards celebrate individuals who have overcome challenges, embraced new opportunities and used learning to transform their lives.
The final held on 3rd November will bring together learners, training providers and partners from across the region to celebrate the life-changing impact of adult education. Adding to the occasion, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin will present one of the awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of adult learners from across West Yorkshire.
Both Joanne and Alishba represent the very best of adult learning, demonstrating how education can build confidence, create new opportunities and help people achieve goals they may once have thought impossible.
Joanne's Journey: A New Direction, Meaning and Purpose
After being made redundant in 2024 following 27 years with the same employer, Joanne faced an uncertain future. With both her and her husband losing their jobs at the same time, she found herself needing to reassess her career path and consider new opportunities.
Determined to move forward, Joanne engaged with Skills for Work and embraced every opportunity available to her. She completed a range of qualifications and training programmes, including the Teaching Assistant Skills Bootcamp, Teaching Assistant courses and Functional Skills Maths.
Alongside her studies, Joanne undertook a placement supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), an experience that helped her discover a new passion and career direction.
Her commitment and perseverance paid off when she secured employment as a Teaching Assistant at St John's Primary School in Bradford in July 2026.
Reflecting on her journey, Joanne describes her career change as giving her life a "new direction, meaning and purpose", proving that it is never too late to learn new skills, change career and pursue a rewarding future.
Alishba's Story: Building Confidence Through Learning
At the age of 21, Alishba joined Skills for Work after several unsuccessful attempts to achieve GCSE Maths. Like many learners, she lacked confidence in her abilities and felt anxious about returning to education.
However, with determination, hard work and support from Skills for Work tutors, Alishba began to rebuild her confidence and belief in herself.
Through her Functional Skills Mathematics course, she developed not only her mathematical skills but also the resilience and confidence needed to overcome barriers that had previously held her back. Her positive experience inspired her to continue her learning journey and enrol on an English course, opening up even more opportunities for personal and professional development.
Alishba's story is a powerful reminder that success is not always about where you start, but about having the courage to keep going.
Celebrating Success and Inspiring Others
Being shortlisted for the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards is a tremendous achievement and recognition of the dedication, commitment and determination shown by both Joanne and Alishba.
Their journeys demonstrate the life-changing impact of adult learning and highlight how gaining new skills can improve confidence, support career progression and create brighter futures.
Everyone at Skills for Work is incredibly proud of Joanne and Alishba and honoured to have played a part in their success.
We wish them both the very best of luck at the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards and look forward to celebrating their achievements alongside learners from across the region.
Suzan McGladdery, Principal at Skills for Work says:
"Joanne and Alishba's achievements demonstrate the incredible impact that learning can have on people's lives. Their journeys are inspiring examples of resilience, determination and personal growth. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved and delighted to see them recognised at the West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards.
To be shortlisted from hundreds of nominations across West Yorkshire is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work, commitment and courage they have shown throughout their learning journeys. We wish them every success and look forward to celebrating with them."