Emma Booth is an inspiration to anyone who has been made redundant in the economic downturn.

The single mum turned her life around after she lost her job working as a tenant officer at Kirklees Council.

Now, thanks to a decision to go back into education, she is almost halfway through a four-year apprentice electrician course. And she is to be presented with a regional award by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education for the way she has thrown herself into the learning process.

Miss Booth has also visited schools, giving talks and lectures on the opportunities that afford themselves within the construction industry.

She is a shining example of someone who was able to reinvent themselves after feeling the sharp pain of rejection from a job when she was made redundant.

No one would pretend this was an easy process for her, particularly combining it with her role as a mother. But she has been able to channel the shock of redundancy and focus it into learning a completely new trade which will make her extremely employable. And she is showing the way that young people can forge their own career path with a trade in construction.

For fellow award-winner Fariha Patel going back into the classroom gave her the confidence to get involved in community work.

And she is now well on the way to achieving a Masters Degree in Education while working part time as a lecturer at Bradford College.

Both these students illustrate the opportunities adult education can open up to almost anyone.

It still takes motivation, dedication and a willingness to learn – but if you have the right attitude, it can prove to be a life-changing experience.