WAES Named Learning Provider of the Year at National Awards
Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) has been named Learning Provider of the Year at the Get the Nation Learning Awards, a national celebration of the organisations and individuals transforming lives through lifelong learning. The award recognises WAES’s outstanding commitment to making learning accessible, inclusive and life-changing for adults from all backgrounds.
Presented as part of Get the Nation Learning Week, the awards are organised by the Learning and Work Institute and celebrate the people and organisations helping learners gain skills, confidence and opportunities throughout life. You can find out more about some of the other winners in FE Week’s article.
The Learning Provider of the Year category is open to all types of adult learning organisations across England. WAES was recognised for its broad and inclusive curriculum, strong learner support, partnership working and success in helping learners overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
Every year, WAES supports more than 5,000 learners through courses ranging from English, maths, ESOL and digital skills to vocational training, apprenticeships and community learning. Working with employers, universities, community organisations and public sector partners, WAES helps learners progress into employment, further study, volunteering and active participation in their communities.
Transforming lives through learning
At the heart of the award are the learners whose lives have been transformed through education. One of the learners representing WAES at the awards ceremony was Georgina, who progressed into a career in fintech after completing an AWS cloud computing bootcamp.
“Coming from a non-traditional tech background, my passion for learning led me to a bootcamp that helped me turn hands-on AWS projects, Python practice and an AI certification into a career in fintech. After rejection upon rejection, I’m now putting those skills to work every day, all because a friend introduced me to WAES! My biggest takeaway? A CV can get you an interview, but practical experience helps you prove what you can do.”
Georgina’s journey reflects the themes highlighted by the judges, who were particularly impressed by WAES’s commitment to breaking down barriers to learning, supporting disadvantaged learners and creating progression opportunities for adults at every stage of life.
A collective achievement
Arinola Edeh CBE, Principal of WAES, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that WAES has been recognised as Learning Provider of the Year. This award recognises our commitment to breaking down barriers to learning and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds. It celebrates the achievements of our learners and the dedication of our staff and partners, who demonstrate every day the transformative power of adult education.”
Cllr Tim Barnes, Deputy Leader of Westminster City Council and Cabinet Member for Growth and Planning said:
“WAES is an incredible asset to residents and businesses in Westminster, with a wonderful breadth in its range of courses that help develop skills for work and passions in life. This award recognises the excellence of the teaching, support and facilities on offer. We should all be very proud of what they have achieved and what they offer.”
The award reflects the contributions of learners, staff, governors, partners and employers who work together to make lifelong learning a reality across Westminster and beyond. From supporting refugees to learn English, to helping parents return to study, enabling adults to retrain for new careers, developing future apprentices and opening doors through community learning, WAES believes that education can change lives at any age.
Find your next course
Whether you’re looking to improve your English, gain digital skills, develop your career, explore a new interest or prepare for university, WAES offers a wide range of courses to help you achieve your goals.
Browse our courses and discover where learning could take you next.
