Nina Hollington

It’s never too late to learn

One of the largest adult education providers in the country, Westminster Adult Education Service offers a range courses across 80 sites in the city. Last year, it helped over 8,000 students learn a new skill.

At 30, student Nina Hollington gave up her secure job to pursue a lifelong dream career in photography.

Nina researched extensively online. She said: “Westminster Adult Education Service offered a reasonable price for my accredited BTEC course, and it had a brilliant, flexible approach. I was also amazed that of all the providers I contacted, only Westminster encouraged an interview to discuss what type of course might be right for me.”

Her experience was positive. “The course is tailored to the needs of the group, which is great. And although many courses just give handouts, WAES uses the latest equipment, including innovative medium format digital cameras that are becoming industry standard,” she said.

Now a photographer’s assistant, Nina undertakes paid freelance work and notably made both BBC picture of the week and Time Out magazine with her iconic photo ‘The Silent Tango’.

“That was a real boost,” she said. “It came from homework – a photo story with an emphasis on losing your fear to get close to your subject. When I saw the tango, I realised I had to get in the midst of it, so I ended up lying on the floor in Waterloo station. I wouldn’t have dared before.

Barbara Holm, head of Westminster Adult Education Service, said: “We know adult education can change lives, so we make sure our courses reflect real demand. For instance, we’ve increased training for careers in professional childcare, as this is a huge employment growth area.”