NSCG Celebrates Get The Nation Learning Week 2025
03 November 2025
Adult Learning
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) will be celebrating ‘Get The Nation Learning Week’ which runs from 3-7 November 2025.
Launched by The Learning and Work Institute (L&W), Get the Nation Learning is an ongoing year-round campaign which focusses on the importance of lifelong learning to individuals, businesses and communities. Get The Nation Learning Week serves as a key opportunity for the campaign’s supporters to come together, amplify their voices and take collective action to promote learning across the nation.
The week also coincides with the launch of NSCG's brand new Winter schedule of adult courses which include a wide-range of both part-time and online courses designed to help learners to boost their knowledge, retrain or learn a new skill. Learners can benefit from on-campus learning or choose to study at one of NSCG’s community learning venues which offer convenient access to public transport and exclusive adult learning environments.
Throughout the week, NSCG will be highlighting the benefits of lifelong learning and how studying can help with confidence and wellbeing, whilst giving learners the skills and knowledge local employers are looking for. Courses on offer to adult learners aged 19+ include functional skills maths and English courses, employability and digital courses. In addition, a range of recreational courses aimed at boosting the confidence and wellbeing of adults across the region are on offer. Learners looking to study at a higher level can also benefit from Outstanding teaching and access to state-of-the-art learning facilities across Access to Higher Education Diplomas, university-level courses and fully-funded courses available at the BRAND NEW Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology.
As part of the celebrations, NSCG will be shining the light on a number of inspiring adult learners who have chosen to return to education to open up new opportunities by gaining recognised qualifications to enhance their future career prospects or to grow in confidence and learn a new skill.
Clare Williams
By day, Clare Williams is an Account Manager at Staffordshire County Council and studies the Level 3 AAT Accounting pathway as part of her adult apprenticeship. Not stopping there, Clare also studies Carpentry and Joinery at Stafford College to gain new skills which can be used around the home.
Clare says: “Since studying at NSCG, I have grown to be a better version of myself in work and I feel that I can offer more to my employer. The apprenticeship route as an adult learner has given me the opportunity to learn different areas of the finance world which I wouldn’t have considered before. I’m really enjoying my carpentry and joinery course, and it’s something I can do for me away from the pressures of work and a busy family life.”
Piotr Borkowksi
Piotr Borkowksi chose to study an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course to improve his communication skills and to help his young child with homework.
Piotr says: “I wanted to improve my English so that I can communicate better with the community and my colleagues at work at Alpha Engineering. It will also help me with job opportunities in the future. I’ve lived in the UK for over 12 years, so I can speak and understand English, but the course is already helping me to assist my young child with homework.
Navarda Garside, Director of Adult Skills at NSCG, said: “We’re excited to be getting involved in the Get The Nation Learning Week campaign, raising the profile of adult learning here in Staffordshire and breaking down any barriers to learning. Learners study at NSCG for so many different reasons, whether that be to gain the skills for a better paid job or to simply learn a new skill. During the week, we will be showcasing our brand new courses starting this winter and giving learners the opportunity to come along to one of our events to find out how NSCG can support them on their journey.”