A 58-year-old student is proving that age is no barrier to learning after returning to Solihull College & University Centre 42 years after first studying at the College to pursue a new career in the fitness industry.
Elayne Dwyer first studied at Solihull College in 1983, completing a secretarial course before embarking on a career in clerical and administrative roles.
She went on to work as an office manager and HR administrator before being made redundant in 2023, prompting her to reconsider what she wanted from the next stage of her career.
Elayne explained: “I had worked in an office environment for years but had found the job unfulfilling during the latter years, so although redundancy wasn’t ideal, it gave me the opportunity to think about what I should do next.
“I had always been physically active, and I enjoy exercise, so my close friends and family suggested starting a new career in the fitness industry.”
After researching her options, Elayne enrolled on the College’s part-time Gym Instructor course for adults, marking her return to the College more than four decades after she first studied there.
She continued: “Going back to Solihull College 42 years later and at the age of 58 was very surreal and naturally a lot had changed during that time, including the College now having the status of a University Centre.
“I was surprised and relieved to find there were other mature students like me on the course – I was instantly made to feel welcome by my lecturer Sarah Redshaw-Laing and the other students on the course.
“The course was delivered in a fun and engaging way. The support from Sarah and the other students was great and we all encouraged each other along the way.”
Elayne successfully completed the course and is now putting her new skills into practice at University of Birmingham Sport & Fitness – the university’s gym – where she is gaining valuable experience in the fitness industry. The facility is also used by Team GB athletes for training.
