Returning To Learning: Learndirect Acheivement Awards

England Rugby ace and Dancing On Ice champion Kyran Bracken says it's never too late to learn something new.

"You live and learn", the saying goes, but many people leave school or university with the thought that, for them, the learning part of life is pretty much over. It's a shame, because it couldn't be further from the truth. Learning at any age can offer new skills that can enrich one's life personally and professionally, and this year hundreds of adult learners who return to learning will be recognised in the third annual learndirect Achievement Awards.

In a survey of 1,500 people who undertook a course of study with learndirect, nine out of ten said their confidence had increased as a result of learning, while nearly a third reported a career benefit. And it's not just individuals who reap the rewards of returning to learning - companies who invest in training can expect to see increases in efficiency and competitiveness as a result of their skilled workforce.

In recognition of such wide-ranging success, people are being reminded to get their nominations in for the third annual learndirect Achievement Awards, which close for entries on the 27th March. The Awards honour individual learners and businesses who have improved their personal and professional circumstances via their involvement with learndirect, as well as the centres and staff that support them.

The range of categories is broad, covering among others learning centres that have forged fruitful relationships with local companies, learners who have excelled with digital technology, and people who are now furthering their learning to pursue a new career or lifestyle. And the best part is that anyone can make a nomination. If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, you can make a nomination online at the web address at the end of this page.

As a living example of the power of returning to learning, former England Ruby Union skipper Kyran Bracken is offering his wholehearted support to the Awards. He says, "I am proud to support the learndirect Achievement Awards because I know how important it is to boost your skills and potential. Developing new skills takes hard work and perseverance, but the benefits are always worth the extra effort. I've got first hand-experience experience of this having trained hard to be part of the Rugby World Cup-winning team and then re-training in the field of ice-skating to be crowned Dancing on Ice champion."

For more information visit www.learndirect.co.uk/awards