Widowed mother wins adult learning award

Ms Cox said training proved "completely life-changing"

A widowed mother-of-two, who went back to the classroom and landed a job, has won an adult learning award.

Laura Cox, 36, from Bilston, found it difficult to apply for jobs after husband Ian, 39, died three years ago from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

But after embarking on a civil service training course with skills provider Release Potential and gaining qualifications in mentoring and coaching, she was given a job with the organisation.

Ms Cox said she was "proud to be a role model" for her children.

She said when her work coach referred her to a civil service programme with Release Potential, she was "in a low place".

Ms Cox said: "I wanted to create a sound and structured life for my two children, but I was grieving and had limited opportunities to apply for roles.

"I had been out of work for a while, caring for my mother-in-law, and then my husband, before they died.

“The training proved completely life-changing. I became more motivated [and] confident."

After getting a qualification in coaching and mentoring, the skills provider offered her a work placement and later appointed her to the role of learner support, helping others to get skills.

Winners were pictured with event host and actor Nicholas Bailey (far right) at the Adult Learning Awards

She was one of the winners at the Adult Learning Awards, hosted by West Midlands Combined Authority and Compass UK Group.

She was named Inspirational Adult Learner at the awards held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Thursday.