A HGV Truck Driver has newfound confidence following completion of a digital skills course for adult learners at Solihull College & University Centre.
After stepping away from education in 1985, returning to a classroom was the last thing on Paul’s mind. However, in July last year, Paul decided to take a leap and join one of the College’s adult digital upskilling courses. Having worked full-time as an HGV truck driver until September 2024, he suddenly found himself out of work due to a deteriorating health condition and facing a world that felt increasingly digital. As an adult, Paul felt like he was being left behind.
At first, even the simplest tasks were daunting. Connecting his phone required help from others, which felt embarrassing. However, enrolling onto the Level 1 Digital Skills course changed everything.
The journey wasn’t easy. His first session on the course, which is designed for learners aged 50+, felt overwhelming. Everything was new to him including Microsoft Teams and Outlook – he had no idea where to start, but with patience and support, he learned to join Teams meetings and navigate digital tools confidently.
Paul commented: “By doing this course, I’ve realised my starting point. With new topics, I feel I’m on a good path. The course was great because it was for 50+. It took away my anxieties about being on a course.”
Paul is now confident and feels proud walking into interviews, knowing he has taken the initiative to learn new skills. He feels it has broadened his horizons for job searching and the learning environment has felt like a safe space whilst not in work.
Paul speaks warmly about the college environment: free coffee and toast, friendly reception staff, even the zebra crossing attendant who greets him every morning. He was impressed by the Remembrance Day event and enjoys reading updates on the Hub. He feels a sense of belonging and that he has found his place.
Towards the end of the course, he met with the careers team, who helped with CV writing and mock interviews – a service he found invaluable.
Paul recommends others think about returning to college: “Take the step. This is a learning environment – a safe space.” For him, this experience has been more than learning – it has been a confidence boost, a chance to connect, and a reminder that it’s never too late to start.
