Award-Winning Learner Shelby Helps Others Through Experience
Shelby Weaver‑Slaughter grew up facing school difficulties that left her with only one GCSE and a belief that university was out of reach.
From Classroom Struggles to Apprenticeship Success
Undeterred, she secured an apprenticeship with Bridgend Council, which led to a transformative program at Bridgend College. The experience opened a new adult‑education pathway that reshaped her career outlook.
Mathematics proved especially hard until a diagnosis of dyscalculia clarified the challenge. After learning why numbers felt foreign, she completed Level 2 Communication and Level 2 Application of Number Essential Skills as part of her apprenticeship framework. Dyscalculia research later confirmed the benefits of tailored support.
Her story illustrates how adult education can serve as a bridge for those who missed out on traditional schooling, offering both personal and community benefits.
The apprenticeship framework provided structured learning milestones that aligned with workplace responsibilities, allowing Shelby to apply new communication techniques directly to client interactions. This integration of theory and practice helped her develop a professional confidence that would have been difficult to achieve through classroom study alone.
Bridgend College’s adult‑learning environment emphasized peer collaboration, meaning that learners like Shelby could share strategies for overcoming numeracy barriers. Such collective problem‑solving not only reinforced her own understanding but also contributed to a supportive network that persisted beyond the formal program.
Recognition at the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards
In September, she received the Essential Skills for Life Award at the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards ceremony held on September 23 in Cardiff’s Coal Exchange. She was one of eleven honorees celebrated during Adult Learners’ Week.
“My inspiration to continue learning comes from my own personal experience,” she said. “When I was younger, I had a social worker who supported me during a difficult time in my life. They had a positive impact on me and inspired me to want to become a social worker myself so that I can support others and make a difference in people’s lives.”
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Her college tutor, Abbie Support, added, “Shelby’s transformation goes beyond academic success. Having developed confidence, independence and a growth mindset, she approaches challenges positively and proactively, demonstrating the true impact of essential skills development in changing lives.”
Michelle Matheron, director for Wales at the Learning and Work Institute, noted, “Lifelong education offers opportunities for all of us, whether that’s to move into a new career, learn a new skill, support our health and well‑being or just do something we enjoy. The impact can be transformative, and we can see that through the stories of our award winners.”
Adults in Wales who wish to explore similar routes can obtain free guidance through Working Wales, which offers information on local courses and training options throughout September and beyond.
Having finished a Level 4 Social Services Practitioner Higher Apprenticeship, she now aims to enroll in a university degree program, continuing the trajectory that began with a single apprenticeship.
Beyond the ceremony, the Inspire! Awards are part of a broader national celebration coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute and supported by the Welsh Government. The event highlights how essential‑skills achievement can unlock second chances, open new career pathways, and strengthen the social fabric of communities.
During Adult Learners’ Week, a series of in‑person taster sessions and virtual workshops are offered across the region. These events give prospective learners a low‑risk opportunity to experience classroom trends, meet mentors, and assess how specific qualifications align with personal goals.
Shelby’s journey has also positioned her as a visible role model for aspiring social‑care practitioners. She frequently mentors peers who are wrestling with self‑doubt, demonstrating that adult learning routes are both accessible and empowering. Her mantra—“Don’t give up and make the most of every opportunity available”—encourages others to view setbacks as temporary rather than definitive.
By sharing her experience publicly, she reinforces the message that formal education is not the only gateway to professional fulfillment. The combination of apprenticeship‑based learning, targeted support for dyscalculia, and community‑wide encouragement illustrates a holistic approach to personal development that can be replicated in other sectors.
