Duncan Rothery, aged 54, from Ergemont in Cumbria, has got a new job following retraining and learning to live with losing his sight. His dedication and commitment to improving his life through learning is being recognised with a Regional Individual Learner Award as part of Adult Learners' Week 12 - 18 May 2012.

Duncan was an international HGV truck driver for over thirty years until he began losing his sight due to a degenerative condition, which left him unable to continue in his job. Duncan had always worked to provide a comfortable life for his family so news of his condition, coupled with unemployment, was devastating. He decided the way forward was to re-train so he could return to work and in April 2011 he embarked on a six month residential course at RNIB College Loughborough.

Duncan learned skills in IT, braille, independent living, cooking, literacy, numeracy and in gaining employment. From these lessons, he gained a level one ITQ qualification in IT, OCR literacy level two and OCR numeracy level one. The newfound skills were put to use during a successful work placement in a local transport office and at the end of the course, Duncan gained a two week placement in a transport office near his Cumbrian home which has now led to a paid position within the company.

Duncan said, "The success of this has made a marked improvement in my outlook and once again despite my disability I am able to provide for my family."

Further education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Minister John Hayes said, "I never fail to be impressed by the achievements of the winners and those shortlisted in NIACE's Adult Learners' Week Awards. Their stories demonstrate the power adult learning has to transform peoples' lives and the communities they live in."

He continued, "Last month we announced England's first National Careers Service for all those aged 13 and over which will give high quality advice to those who want to get on in life and these winners prove it's never too late to re-train or start a new course."

David Hughes, NIACE Chief Executive, said, "Every one of our award winners, for this year's Adult Learners' Week, illustrates how learning can help people to change their lives, make them feel part of their community and help support them in their future. Duncan's life has improved because of his commitment, enthusiasm and ambition. I hope that others will be inspired by this story and see the role that learning can play to help them get a better life."

Find out more about RNIB College's Adult Employment Programme.

Read Duncan's blog about his time at RNIB College Loughborough.