Maddison Walker

As Maddison’s career developed, she saw how valuable qualifications and knowledge could be in providing opportunities and building confidence. Previously Maddison had never imagined earning a degree but now sought to underpin her experience of the working world with academic credibility. In January 2022, she started a ‘Senior Leader Apprenticeship’, a Level 7 Masters qualification, at the University of Wolverhampton. Balancing solo parenting, a demanding workload and ending an abusive marriage, for Maddison learning provided focus, purpose and a space for self-investment. She completed her masters in Business with an 89% in her dissertation. Maddison has now launched her own company, securing contracts with public and private organisations and says that completing the Masters qualification transformed her life. Her business is going from strength to strength, her son is thriving in his own education and she is now a member of the board of Trustees for West Midlands Women’s Aid.

Maddison was awarded the prestigious ‘Patron’s Award’ at the Get the Nation Learning Awards for her commitment to lifelong learning and progression. The Get the Nation Learning Awards, hosted at the Barbican in London this week, are a high point of the Get the Nation Learning campaign, led by Learning and Work Institute and supported by over 100 organisations including Channel 4 and Make UK. The awards shine a light on people and organisations getting the nation learning and recognise examples of adult learning that support healthier futures, stronger communities, more opportunities, regional growth, and richer lives.

Maddison Walker, winner of the Get the Nation Learning Patron’s Award, said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award. My journey began with the simple goal to gain a qualification to support the work I loved. As a mum who left school with just GCSEs, I never imagined I could achieve an MBA. The Level 7 apprenticeship gave me that opportunity, even through some incredibly tough challenges – ending an abusive marriage, a challenging workload, and balancing personal and professional pressures. Completing my MBA transformed not just my career, but my confidence, resilience, and belief in what’s possible. Today, I run my own business, enabling established companies to grow and scale, see my son thrive and sit on the board of Trustees for West Midlands Women’s Aid. Adult learning and apprenticeships truly have the power to unlock potential, change lives, and open doors we never thought possible.”

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“We are delighted that Maddison is the winner of the ‘Patron’s Award’ at our inaugural Get the Nation Learning Awards. Maddison’s outstanding achievements in her apprenticeship and her career, her commitment to progression and the perseverance she has shown, make her incredibly deserving of this award. Her story is proof of how empowering lifelong learning can be.”

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said:
“Many congratulations to Maddison on this prestigious award. It is much deserved and everyone at the University of Wolverhampton is extremely proud of her. Her achievements are an inspiration to many, and her journey is an example of how our university can not only create opportunities but also transform futures.  We all look forward to watching Maddison’s continued growth and to her making an impact and lasting difference.”

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said:
“Maddison’s story is truly inspirational, and her award is well deserved. Her commitment to learning will encourage others to face their challenges head on. “It’s vital that people can overcome the barriers that may be holding them back. That’s why I’ve made ‘Jobs for Everyone’ a top priority, with a focus on making sure everyone has the opportunity to learn and pursue a fulfilling career.”