A classroom assistant who left school without any qualifications is improving her career prospects through adult learning courses.
Sheila Hollern struggled with literacy when she was young due to her undiagnosed dyslexia.
However, the 50-year-old is overcoming her literacy difficulties and has completed an NVQ level two teaching assistant course.
In addition to the NVQ, Ms Hollern has also enrolled on a course to get a Skills for Life literacy qualification through the Train to Gain programme.
Her efforts as an adult learner have been so successful that she has now signed up to obtain her level three NVQ qualification.
She revealed that she had always suspected she was dyslexic but that this was confirmed when she enrolled on an adult learning course.
Ms Hollern told the Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette that her husband, who works at sea, "has noticed a massive improvement in my confidence and literacy skills".
The mother-of-two had worked as a classroom assistant at Biddick Hall Infants for nearly ten years when she was encouraged to take the adult learning courses.
She now organises and manages a child and parent cookery club at Galsworthy Road school.
Myra Edwards, headteacher at the school, commented: "Sheila has become much more confident in her own abilities and this has changed her whole outlook on what she can achieve in her career."
Earlier this month, the National Literacy Trust claimed that some people who struggle to read text in books or on paper might find it easier to read material in a digital format, news that might encourage potential adult learners to enrol on e-learning courses.
To improve your English and maths skills take a look at the courses available, they cater for all levels of learners.