MILFORD Haven Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2026 winner Fred Murad began an inspiring and life-changing journey when his wife, Claire, tragically died from sepsis in 2021.

Fred, 44, lives in Herbrandston with his children, Freddy, now aged nine, and Sophie, now five. As a devoted father, Fred’s priority has been to ensure that he had the skills to support them with their education and move towards a brighter future.

Fred joined a Springboard adult learning course at his children’s Pembrokeshire school. Since then he has completed 25 courses over the last five years, including family learning, numeracy, literacy, digital skills and welding.

He is now starting the final year of a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and, plans to do an extra year to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree.

Simultaneously, he is working towards a Level 3 Award in Education, Teaching and Learning at Pembrokeshire College and he’s changed career from managing chefs to working as a welding tutor at the college.

Fred’s learning journey has transformed his career, taking him from managing chefs in the hospitality sector to teaching welding at Pembrokeshire College.

His ambition is to become a lecturer to inspire other learners to succeed.

In recognition of his learning journey, Fred has won the Life Change Award in this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards which will be presented at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff on September 23. He is one of 11 award winners.

A highlight of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales, which runs from September 21 to 27, the awards recognise those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to learning. They are co-ordinated by Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government.

For adults in Wales keen to start their learning journey, in-person taster courses and online sessions will run throughout September and during Adult Learners’ Week.

Advice and information will be available locally to inspire people to take up learning as a way of increasing their employability, building life skills and improving their quality of life.

Responding to his Life Change Award, Fred said: “I was honoured to be nominated but to win the award is surreal. I am grateful and blessed and I wonder what Claire would think of me?

“If I had passed away instead of Claire, I wouldn’t want her to give up, so I can’t let her down. Springboard and Learning Pembrokeshire opened the door for me to learn while providing childcare which was greatly needed as a lone parent without family support.”

Encouraging other adults to return to learning, Fred says: “If you have the opportunity, go for it. That first step you take to get back into learning might just be the opportunity you need to open doors to propel you to the next level.

“With the fast, ever changing working environment, learning has ensured that I keep up to date and am not left behind.”

Fred’s nominator, Laura Phillips from Springboard at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “As a tutor, Fred has the same mentality as the one he adopted for the sake of his children. He says he is not going to give up on anyone and wants to inspire every learner to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve.”

Anyone inspired by Fred’s story can access free advice and support through Working Wales to explore learning and training opportunities in their local area.

To find out what’s going on during Adult Learners’ Week and for personalised advice on your own learning options and the support available, contact Working Wales on 0800 028 4844 or search workingwales.gov.wales .