Fred Murad, began an inspiring and life-changing journey when his wife, Claire, tragically died from sepsis in 2021. With two young children to care for, his priority was to ensure that he had the skills to support them with their education and move towards a brighter future.

After joining a Springboard adult learning course at his children’s school in Pembrokeshire, he has embraced every learning opportunity and completed 25 courses over the last five years, including family learning, numeracy, literacy, digital skills and welding.

Inspired by his wife’s memory and his children, Fred is now starting the final year of a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, but plans to do an extra year to achieve a bachelor’s degree.

Simultaneously, he is working towards a Level 3 Award in Education, Teaching and Learning at Pembrokeshire College and he’s changed career from managing chefs to working as a welding tutor at the college. His ambition is to become a lecturer to inspire other learners to succeed.

“If I had passed away instead of Claire, I wouldn’t want her to give up, so I can’t let her down,” said Fred.

“Springboard and Learning Pembrokeshire opened the door for me to learn while providing childcare which was greatly needed as a lone parent without family support.”

Encouraging other adults to return to learning, Fred says: “If you have the opportunity, go for it. That first step you take to get back into learning might just be the opportunity you need to open doors to propel you to the next level.

“I see it as a domino effect – the learning and investment you put in now, with the help and support of staff, are all little steps that eventually lead you to where you want to be.

“With the fast, ever changing working environment, learning has ensured that I keep up to date and am not left behind.”

Fred’s nominator, Laura Phillips from Springboard at Pembrokeshire County Council, said: “As a tutor, Fred has the same mentality as the one he adopted for the sake of his children. He says he is not going to give up on anyone and wants to inspire every learner to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve.”