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.

Vivien Sheehan, 58, from Princes Risborough is one of many adult learners who decided to take the plunge and update her skills with the AAT qualification. After spending 18 years building up a business with her husband, her marriage sadly ended and so Vivien needed to support herself and her children.

She explains: "After I divorced I needed to find a new job to support my family. Being in my late 40s, I felt the opportunities for someone of my age were limited. I finally managed to get a job as a part-time bookkeeper but despite having many years of accounting experience, I just didn’t feel confident in my skills."

Vivien found out about the AAT accountancy qualification and aged 51 decided to study towards a professional qualification. She says: "It was daunting learning something new but I found the environment stimulating and the interaction at college gave me confidence."

"After qualifying, I was able to take on more responsibility. Even though the accounts department has always been me, my role has changed from part time bookkeeper, to finance director and company secretary. The AAT qualification and membership gave my employer confidence in my skills and experience, and it also really boosted my self-esteem."

"Having worked with my husband for most of my married life, when we divorced, I lost most of my livelihood along with my marriage. I felt very vulnerable and I decided never to put all my eggs in one basket by relying on one source of income. Doing the AAT has meant I was also able to set up Accounting for Tax, a small practice with individual, not for profit and small incorporated clients."

"Alongside working, I also volunteer for TaxHelp for Older People (TOP), a charity that offers free tax advice to pensioners with a household income of less than £17,000 per year. My life is now so fulfilling in a way I never expected it to be after losing my marriage and income – and it’s mostly because I studied the AAT."