Young Mum Named Adult Learner of the Year

A hairdresser determined to style a brilliant future for herself and her 3-year-old son has been named Adult Learner of the Year by the Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance and Aimhigher Greater Manchester. The prestigious honour is part of this week’s national Adult Learner’s Week 2009.

Joann Lincoln, a 25-year old single mum from Bury, left school at 16 but is now excelling at university, studying for a business degree. She is on course to achieve her dream of becoming a hairdressing teacher and then running her own business. Her achievements are to be celebrated at Manchester’s prestigious Adult Learner of the Year awards ceremony, at Stockport Art Gallery on 14^th May.

Joann is being held up as an inspiration by the Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance (GMSA) and Aimhigher. The GMSA, a partnership of universities and colleges, looks to open higher education opportunities adults and vocational learners while Aimhigher Greater Manchester raise the aspirations of young people to help them reach higher education. Joann’s efforts have been described as outstanding by the two organisations, who are working together to ensure higher education is accessible to all.

Joann is the first member of her family to go to university. After a long break from education she completed NVQs in Hairdressing at Bury College and is now working towards a BA Honours degree in Business Studies at The University of Bolton.

Joann said she mapped out her future from the moment her son was born and has not looked back since: “It was only when I had my little boy that I thought ‘Right, I’m going to need some qualifications’. I went to college when he was 11 months old with the intention of getting to university.

“I really want to teach hairdressing in a college so I’ve already enquired about teacher training for after my degree. It will allow me to take school holidays with my son and then, when he grows up, I will make the most of my business degree and open my own hairdressing salon.

“Dylan is too young to understand what I’m doing for us yet but I just got 70% on my first assessment so it’s going well. It’s a real honour to be named Adult Learner of the Year.”

Jo Wiggans, Director of Aimhigher Greater Manchester, said: “There is more than one way to get a university education and each individual can find a time that is right to do it which is why Joann is such a fantastic role model for young people.  Aimhigher graduates make a difference for generations to come and Joann will encourage her own children to believe in their ability to go to university. Congratulations to Joann, a real winner in every way and a great ambassador for Aimhigher.  We wish her luck in the future.”

Cath Walsh, GMSA Director, added: “Joann is an outstanding example to everyone who has left formal education without realising their potential. The government wants to help 40% of adults gain qualifications and skills to degree level or above by 2020. We cannot achieve this through A Level students alone. Joann is a perfect illustration of the way in which higher education can open it’s doors to learners with different qualifications and experiences.”