Award win for learning advocate challenging age and ability as barriers to learning.
The Greater Lincolnshire Adult Learner of the Year Awards celebrate individuals who show exceptional commitment, progress and determination through their learning journey.
For her inspiring learning journey, and advocacy of learning later in life, Bernadette Jones, from Willingham by Stow, has been recognised as a Learner of the Year for 2026.
Bernadette attended the AI Introduction: Skills for Work & Life course at Ermine Library. The six-hour course was designed to help adult learners develop practical artificial intelligence skills they could use in everyday life and work.
Before attending, Bernadette saw artificial intelligence as something highly technical, primarily aimed at younger generations and linked to coding rather than any practical day-to-day tasks. Although she had strong writing skills, she had little awareness of how AI could be used to access information, solve problems and support decision-making.
After hearing about the course through the International Café community group, she made the spontaneous decision to sign up and challenge her assumptions.
What followed was a remarkable transformation in confidence, digital skills and attitudes towards technology.
During the course, Bernadette quickly overcame concerns about her age, ability and previous experience. She developed the confidence to use AI independently and immediately applied her newly acquired skills to a real-life challenge.
Shortly after completing the programme, Bernadette used AI tools to support research for a complex housing appeal. And, by using the technology to gather, organise and structure information, she was able to access relevant evidence much more efficiently than through traditional methods.
The appeal was successful, providing a powerful example of how learning new skills can have a real and tangible impact on people's lives.
Now Bernadette continues to use AI in her everyday life and has become a passionate advocate for lifelong learning. She actively encourages others who may feel excluded by technology or lack confidence in their digital abilities to take that first step and try something new.
Speaking about her experience, Bernadette said:
"The instructions and information were so clear I was able to use AI as soon as I got home to help with a very tricky housing appeal, something I would have had to spend hours researching. As it was, all I had to do was check the facts – and we won.
"I now use AI in my everyday life. I am no longer afraid of it, can see the positives and the dangers, and would encourage anyone – especially people like me, who were not brought up in a tech-savvy world – to push yourself and learn about this important tool.
"More than anything, do not let age and fear be a barrier to learning."
Presenting the award, Justin Brown, Assistant Director for Growth at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
"Bernadette's story is a fantastic example of what can happen when someone is willing to step outside their comfort zone and embrace learning.
"She went from being unsure whether AI was relevant to her life to confidently using it to help solve a complex real-world problem with a successful outcome.
“On top of this, her willingness to share her experiences and encourage others to give learning a go makes her a wonderful ambassador for adult education and worthy Learner of the Year.”
Dr. Sophia Yan Tao, Director at Curiosity Global Education LTD, said: "We’re incredibly proud of Bernadette. What makes this achievement so special is not only her dedication to lifelong learning, but also her commitment to using her newly acquired AI skills to make a positive difference to vulnerable people in her wider community.
“It was a privilege to share Bernadette’s learning journey during the ceremony. Our sincere thanks to the Lincolnshire County Council Adult learning team for organising such a meaningful celebration of lifelong learning.
“Her story reminds us what lifelong learning is really about: courage, growth and generosity."
Find courses that you could apply to your daily life at www.2aspire.org.uk.