Adult Learners Week held on 15-21 May seeks to inspire people to see what learning could do for them, offering them the chance to catch up on skills they’ve missed out on in the past, or develop themselves for the future. It also wishes to recognise the achievements of many people out there who have returned to learning.

Linda Fleet from South Woodham Ferrers is one of many adult learners who decided to take the plunge and update her skills with the AAT Accounting Qualification.

She explains: "I had worked in Asda for over 13 years starting off on the checkout and then becoming a customer service assistant. But when I hit 50, I decided it was time to do something else. I applied for 3 office jobs and was rejected by all of them. So I handed in my notice and decided to retrain with the AAT."

"I was quite apprehensive about starting college especially as I was the oldest by 15 years. But to be honest, in some cases, I found I had it slightly easier, as my children had left home so I didn’t have to study around looking after my family."

As part of her AAT course, Linda did work experience in a local accountancy firm. They were so impressed they offered her a job and paid for her course fees. In return, she worked there for 7 years until the nature of the business changed. Initially, Linda planned to work for an agency but when former clients started contacting her, she saw the opportunity to set up on her own. She now has clients as varied as a delicatessen in Notting Hill to a yoga event organiser.

She says: "I’m now 64 and am running a successful accountancy business, which I’ll keep working in for as long as I’m able. I’m very much young at heart and like to keep up with trends in fashion and music. I was once a groupie in Liverpool and so once a rock chick, always a rock chick!"