A careers advice programme is visiting Preston College to encourage more adults to think about starting university as a mature student.

Future U, which works across Lancashire to encourage more people to consider higher education, is hosting the event to inspire more people to start university, even if they left school years earlier.

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In Britain mature students make up over half of university students, with one in five students over 30 years old.

Future U says more needs to be done to help mature students to access support around finance, childcare and employment challenges which can be seen as a barrier to accessing degree education.

The event at Preston College will answer questions on starting university, interview techniques, work placements and academic writing.

Education partners including University of Central Lancashire alongside current adult students will also be available to answer questions.

The event is open for current college students as well as the general public.

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Matt Lord, Senior Outreach Officer at Future U, said: “The last two years have seen plenty of people reassessing their life and work situation, pushing themselves to start new careers or improve skills. Plenty of people are changing their careers into fulfilling roles such as health care and nursing, but many jobs still require a university qualification.

“Adult learners can often feel like they won’t fit in at university, that they’re going to be the only one there. They can also face barriers to visiting universities that younger learners don’t due to caring responsibilities or employment commitments.

“Many of our partner universities and colleges have been involved in the development of the roadshow, it’s been a truly collaborative effort to develop something that can make a real impact on the futures of adult learners in Lancashire.”

Debbie Ireland, Head of 14 to 19 Curriculum at Preston College, said: “With a large cohort of adult learners here at the College, the event, a collaborative project bringing together universities, colleges and businesses from across Lancashire, will provide information, advice, and guidance on higher education, allowing individuals to make an informed choice about whether University level study is right for them.

“Sessions on offer will cover a variety of topics, allowing attendees to leave with a wealth of information on academic writing, funding, admissions processes, and student life.”

The event will take place on Wednesday 11 May from 2pm to 7pm.

For more details, visit the Future U website.

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