When Samuel Link left college at 18, he applied to university only to discover the course wasn’t the right fit for him, leading him to a 9-5 job in which he spent the following ten years, unfulfilled, to pay the bills.
But in 2022, after years working in retail, Samuel, who lives in Cardiff, decided it was time to explore his options. With no job lined up, he took some time out to reflect on what he wanted to do next.
During Adult Learners’ Week in Wales, which takes place from September 9-15 - with advice and information available locally to inspire people to take up learning as a way of increasing their employability, building life skills and improving quality of life – Samuel shares his own journey back into education.
“When I left my job in retail, I didn’t have anything lined up, so it was a real leap of faith. But I knew it was time to make a change, think about what my interests were - and it is now paying off.”
Now 34, Samuel, who is originally from Cleobury Mortimer, West Midlands, knew he had always had an interest in computers. After looking into his options, he has just completed his first term on the
Software BSc Applied Software Engineering Apprenticeship Degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University, after being recruited as an apprentice by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
“I am loving the course at Cardiff Met and working at the council, with the flexitime and working from home, I now also have a better quality of life.”
Offering advice to other people who may be reconsidering going back to education later in life, Samuel said: “There are tons of options now for adult learners, funded or partially funded to get the experience you need. You don’t need to settle for something which is soul destroying - you can retrain to do something you enjoy.”
Dr Neil Hennessy, Head of Open Colleges and Degree Apprenticeships at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Samuel’s story echoes the many successes that Cardiff Met has facilitated over the past four years. The degree apprenticeship scheme is an excellent way for non-traditional learners to upskill and increase their subject knowledge, with every prospect of further enhancing their professional careers. It is great to see Samuel flourishing and enjoying his time here with us.”
More information on the
Degree Apprenticeships on offer at Cardiff Met is available on the University’s webpage.
To find out what’s going on during Adult Learners’ Week search
www.workingwales.gov.wales.
