As Get The Nation Learning Week draws to a close, this week reminded us just how transformative education can be - for individuals, communities, and society.
CAVA is proud to be part of around 100 organisations supporting the Get The Nation Learning campaign, led by the Learning and Work Institute.
This brilliant campaign is built on one simple idea: when adults learn, everyone benefits – individuals, communities, and the whole economy. This growing movement includes organisations including Channel 4, the National Housing Federation, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Access to HE Diplomas help adults take their next step into higher education, opening doors to new opportunities and careers.
But we also know that opening that door can be incredibly challenging. Many adult learners face real barriers, financial pressures, family commitments, self-doubt, and simply finding the time. That’s why our providers play such a vital role. They meet learners and offer encouragement, flexibility, and the practical support needed to take that step.
This week, as we celebrate Get The Nation Learning Week, we’re proud to stand alongside so many organisations championing the power of adult education. The campaign’s message that “When adults learn, our society and economy thrive” echoes through everything we do at CAVA.
Having attended the Get The Nation Learning Awards earlier this week, we were struck once again by the impact that education has. Eleven worthy winners were celebrated for their lifelong learning, and two in particular stood out. The first was Mark Jones, winner of the New Directions Award, who after personal tragedy and 36 years working as a self-employed plasterer, decided to retrain as an HGV driver. He is now working in a career he had always hoped to pursue. His story showed how, even in the most challenging circumstances, learning can open the door to a new chapter.
The second was Nerissa Roberts, winner of the Excellence in Teaching Award, whose dedication to supporting learners, many of whom are asylum seekers or refugees with little or no English is truly inspiring. She supports them not only with learning, but also with accessing employment, volunteering opportunities, and creative outlets.
These awards stood out to us because we know from first hand experience that neither learners nor educators can succeed without one another. The commitment from learners to change their lives, alongside the dedication of those who support them, is something we see every day among the providers we work with. Without that partnership, lifelong learning simply wouldn’t exist.
As an awarding body, CAVA works hard to make that journey as accessible and flexible as possible. We design and quality assure frameworks that help providers deliver courses that fit around real lives - whether that’s through evening, online, or blended learning - so adult students have the best chance to succeed.
Being part of Get the Nation Learning feels like a natural fit with our values.
Being education champions, we share the campaign’s belief that adult education changes lives, not just for individuals, but for the communities and society they help to build.
That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside partners in this campaign – and why we encourage others to join us in making lifelong learning a reality for all.
Find out more about Get The Nation Learning