Kirklees College encourages adult learners to start the next chapter in their careers, Upskilling in Yorkshire

Kirklees College recently launched not only its new Adult Course Guide for September 2026, but also a brand-new video, ‘Your Next Chapter’, which highlights the meaningful impact of adult and community education at the college.

Produced in collaboration with Sam Teale Productions, an award-winning local production company, ‘Your Next Chapter’ shines a spotlight on students who have returned to education and are thriving on their courses and careers.

Meet the students who have started their next chapter

Marc’s story

Marc Burton is a Kirklees College apprentice who is evidence of the fact that it’s never too late to stop learning.

Having enrolled as an Engineering apprentice in September 2023, Marc has thrived not only at college but also with his employer, Batorer, a precision engineering company based in Cleckheaton.

Marc spoke passionately about his journey to this stage, saying: “There was a huge change in my own personal circumstances that made me want to do this. I’d previously been a salesman by trade but wanted to do something different with my life.”

Brittany’s story

Brittany O’Sullivan is another passionate advocate of the life-changing impact of returning to education as an adult. Since enrolling on her Fabrication and Welding Level 3 apprenticeship in 2023, Brittany has thrived on the course despite facing significant personal challenges.

Once Brittany began work at Auden Funeral Supplies in Liversedge, she quickly impressed her employer alongside her tutors at Kirklees College and won an award at the Kirklees College Employer Thank You Dinner in February 2026.

Brittany offered some advice for those thinking about returning to education at Kirklees College. Saying: “Just do it, my life has been completely changed by coming on this course. In terms of signing up, the whole process was straightforward; I just googled Kirklees College and all the information was there and really easy to follow.”

Ben’s story

Ben Atkinson decided to pursue a different career path and studied for a teaching qualification at Kirklees College after 27 years in the hospitality industry.

When talking about this return to education, Ben said: “I have really enjoyed getting back into education and back into learning. It has now opened so many doors. “

He is now putting that experience at the college to good use and is a valued member of the teaching staff within Hospitality and Catering at Kirklees College.

More information about the range of adult courses at Kirklees College

The adult curriculum at Kirklees College covers a variety of subject areas, including Business, Construction, Creative Industries, Engineering, Hair and Beauty, Sport, Hospitality and Catering, Motor Vehicle, Teaching and more.

Visit the adult learner section of the Kirklees College website to find out more or click here to download the September 2026 Kirklees College Adult Course Guide.

The college also offers a range of Maths, English and ESOL qualifications, email [email protected] to book an ESOL, Maths or English assessment on Saturday 17 October and start your next chapter.