It's never too late to follow your dreams

Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.   Pic: Robert Perry.Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.   Pic: Robert Perry.
Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Pic: Robert Perry.
Eighty-six per cent of Brits believe it's never too late to follow your dreams, learn new skills and even switch careers.

Secretary-turned author J.K. Rowling, has topped a Learning and Work Institute poll to identify the most inspiring living Britons; followed closely by our man on the International Space Station, Tim Peake.

The list, which was dominated by people who have famously made big career changes also includes Victoria Pendleton, who has hit her stride after swapping her bicycle for a racehorse, in third place.

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Victoria was followed by fellow ex-Olympian, Eddie the Eagle (whose unrelenting spirit is back in the spotlight thanks to a major Hollywood film) in fourth. In joint fifth place were chef-turned-political campaigner Jamie Oliver and serial entrepreneur and businesswoman, Karen Brady, whose influence spans from the boardroom to the football pitch.

The poll looking into Briton’s inspirations and ambitions was carried out to launch the 2016 Festival of Learning - an initiative from Learning & Work Institute to get Britons to take part in learning. The campaign, which is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), encourages and celebrates lifelong learning and the impact it can have on personal and professional development.

Stephen Evans, deputy chief executive from Learning and Work Institute, said: “Learning has never been more important for life, work and health.

“It can help to build a new career, break with routine and meet new people, and inspire new interests. It’s great that so many people polled are inspired to learn to try new things or work toward their dream job.

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“But we also know that too many people miss out on the life changing opportunities that learning brings.

“The Festival of Learning is all about making sure everyone gets the opportunity to learn. That’s why we’re calling on any institution, business, individual or organisation that offers adults a chance to experience something new to list their event, course or workshop at www.festivaloflearning.org.uk.

“Learning isn’t just something that happens in a classroom, and it shouldn’t stop when you leave school.”

From March 22 until May 20 nominations will also be open for the 2016 Festival of Learning Awards open to adult learners, employers, projects and tutors. Shortlisted entrants will be announced at the start of August.

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