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.

Tracie Fuller, 39, from Canterbury is one of many adult learners who decided to take the plunge and update her skills with the AAT qualification. She left school after falling pregnant during her GCSE year and did various jobs to make ends meet. 

She explains: "As a single mum with few qualifications, it was difficult to find a job that paid enough to support me and a child. So for ten years I cleaned schools and worked in a launderette. However, I really wanted to provide a better life for both of us and so I looked into college courses that would help put me on a career path."

Tracie started the AAT at 26. She says: "It was a massive challenge to study, work and care for my son but I felt this was my opportunity and I was determined to take it."

"I almost gave up when I was rejected for several training positions. I felt I had missed the boat because of my age. But then I found out about a job role through a tutor and have been working for Crossley & Davis ever since."

"I will be taking over the firm when my proprietor retires in a few years’ time. I’m really looking forward to this new challenge in my life."

"It’s quite unbelievable to think I will have gone from a cleaning job to running my own accountancy practice and I can’t see how it would have happened without the AAT. Essentially, it has enabled me to have a career – and provide a better life for me and my son."