Cameron

Upskilling for the future: Cameron’s journey from warehouse work to data analytics

“67% of UK businesses plan to increase investment in data analytics in the next year.”

‘By gaining new skills and confidence, you have the chance to step into an evolving field. You only have one life so why spend it doing something you don’t want to do?’ 

Cameron is currently studying Data Analytics Level 3 at New City College. Alongside his studies, he works full-time as a forklift driver in a warehouse. Motivated by his ambition to move into the growing tech sector, Cameron decided to upskill and pursue a new career path in data analytics. 

What made you decide to return to education and study Data Analytics? 

Right now, I work in a warehouse as a forklift driver, but I could see where the job market was heading. There are a lot of opportunities in the tech sector and in data analysis, and I wanted to put myself in a position where I could move into that world. It’s something I’m genuinely interested in and I want to start earning better money! 

How does it feel to come back and study as an adult? 

When you’re younger, you don’t always value education in the same way. But now, as an adult, I really appreciate the opportunity to learn. I take advantage of all the resources available to me – the lecturers at New City College teach in a way that is hands-on, and they use examples you’d find in the workplace. Also, the facilities like the library, are great if you don’t have space to study at home. When you come back as an adult you have a completely different mindset; you’re here because you want to be. 

What challenges do you think adults face when trying to balance study with everyday life? 

I think a lot of people would love to upskill and improve their income, but as an adult they’ve got responsibilities – bills, childcare, rent to pay – and that might hold them back. You have to balance your current situation with what’s realistic. But it is possible! That’s why these free courses, like the one I’m doing, are so important. It’s one less thing you have to worry about and makes education more accessible for everyone. 

Why do you think adult education is such a valuable investment? 

When adults go back into education, they usually do it because there’s a real desire to learn and make a change to their life. That motivation means they take it seriously and are keen to get the qualifications to enter an industry where there is a lack of skilled workers. So, in that sense, it really does pay for itself in the long run. You’re investing in people who want to contribute and make themselves more valuable to the economy. It’s an investment that benefits everyone. 

What impact do you think adult learning has beyond just gaining a qualification? 

Adult education isn’t just about learning something new – it opens doors to change. By gaining different skills and more confidence, you have the chance to move from jobs with no prospects into rewarding careers. At the end of the day, you only have one life, so why spend it doing something you don’t want to do? As well as strengthening communities and the economy, these courses can make a real difference. Adult education is paying for itself by giving people the chance to build better futures.