Mark Jones

The awards panel chose Mark as the winner for his determination and perseverance in pursuing a new career. Mark had run his own business for 36 years as a plasterer, but after the loss of his second wife, everything changed. Work dried up and Mark found himself feeling lost. Thanks to a conversation with his job coach, Mark enrolled on an HGV course at Telford College. He had always wanted to drive an HGV but had not had the financial means or the time to do it. However, at this pivotal moment in his life, he decided it was now or never. Not only was Mark re-entering the world of education in his mid-50s but he was also embarking on a completely new chapter of his career. Mark passed the course and began driving an HGV with S&R Construction in September 2024, a step which has given him a new sense of purpose and a work-life balance that he’d never had before. Mark’s now wants others to know that no matter how tough things get, you can always start over.

With over 100 supporters, the Get the Nation Learning campaign shines a light on people and organisations getting the nation learning and recognising examples of adult learning that support healthier futures, stronger communities, more opportunities, regional growth, and richer lives. The awards seek to spotlight individuals and organisations that can be an example to others in promoting the benefits of learning throughout life.

Mark Jones said:
“I am truly honoured to have been selected as the winner for the ‘New Directions’ Award. I would like to thank Telford College for giving me the opportunity to retrain — it has impacted my life in such a positive way. After losing my second wife, I felt I had nothing to live for. But with support, I stood strong and made a complete career change — from working as a self-employed plasterer for 36 years, with no steady income, to becoming a professional driver with the security of a regular wage. It is never too late to retrain or to change your path. The journey may feel hard at first, but with the right support anything is possible. I am proof of that today.”

Mark Malcomson, Chief Executive at City Lit, sponsors of the award, said:
“Learning isn’t just about gaining new knowledge or skills; it can often be a lifeline allowing people to rebuild their sense of self. Mark’s story is so inspiring as it shows the effects of his retraining on his new career but also on his life as a whole. Education at any point in life is a wonderful thing but it can often be something that allows people to reinvent themselves and move forward when they really feel stuck and it very much feels that this has been the case for Mark.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“It’s an honour to make Mark our ‘New Directions Award’ winner. In returning to learning and navigating a significant career change, Mark has shown us that, with access to the right opportunities, changing direction is never out of reach and can have a transformative effect. His story is a powerful testament to the impact learning can have on people’s lives and careers at any stage.”

Lawrence Wood, Principal at Telford College, said:
“Mark’s journey serves as an inspiration, showing us all that learning and developing new skills is important. Mark made the most of the opportunity available to him and we are all very proud of him for his dedication and achievement.”