When her youngest of two children started school, so did Natalie Ruff.
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Some 20 months later the Kiama resident is working in her dream job.
The 40-year-old has also recently completed a second administration course at Kiama Community College.
"Through the study and learning I've been able to get employment in an industry that I love so I've achieved my goals through study and learning at an older age," Ms Ruff said.
She started her Certificate III in Business at Kiama Community College in 2020.
Initially she was learning through face-to-face delivery but COVID restrictions hit and that turned to online learning.
This was a bit 'tough' but Ms Ruff enjoyed the challenge and soon found employment.
"The reason I started studying again was mainly because I wanted to get a job associated with my studies. Fortunately I was able to secure part-time admin work in Kiama," she said.
"Then I continued studying a Cerificate IV in Management and Leadership, which I've just recently finished.
"Thanks to the flexibility the college offered, I was able to work part time, complete my two courses and even do home schooling with the kids.
"I always say you are never too old to learn and there is always things to learn. My experience shows this is true.
I always say you are never too old to learn and there is always things to learn. My experience shows this is true.
- Natalie Ruff
"I had been out of the workforce for six to eight years before I started studying and secured employment.
"It's been great."
Ms Ruff's success story is one of many being highlighted during Adult Learners Week (September 1-8) by Adult Learning Australia, the national peak body for adult and community education.
Adult Learning Australia president Associate Professor Annette Foley, said COVID-19 had created an urgent challenge in Australia that adult education could help solve.
She said Adult Learners Week highlights the breadth of opportunities for further learning available across the country.
This year's theme, ReNew You, promotes the idea that people can make a new start or create a new future through adult education.
"Whether it's brushing up on an old skill, learning a new one, or taking a new direction altogether, Adult Learners Week is the perfect opportunity for all Australians to investigate what's out there for them," Professor Foley said.
"2020 has been a challenging year, with the total number of unemployed now close to one million. Those hardest hit are adults with low skills and low levels of formal education.
"Adult Learners Week offers an opportunity to learn, reskill and reconnect. It gives people tools and confidence to navigate the 'new normal' and increases our resilience during these testing times."
Online programs and virtual events are a strong feature of Adult Learners Week, which celebrates its 25th year this year.
It is a UNESCO initiative supported in Australia by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
