Lifelong Learner is finalist in prestigious national award

Scott Bees used to deliver post to his neighbours in Ely before returning to the classroom to study archaeology at Cardiff University.

This massive career change was acknowledged at an award ceremony at the Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2025 which recognises lifelong learners who pursue a new challenge.

Five years ago, Scott, who is 36, decided to enrol on the Exploring the Past (EtP) Pathway at Lifelong Learning. The pathway provides a route to a degree in history, archaeology or religion. Scott is now in his final year of his BSc Archaeology, he commented:

“After having children at a young age and not doing well at school, I thought mediocre jobs were my future until retirement. The pathway changed not only how I look at the past, but how I look to my own future. I am so excited, looking forward.

“When I opened the email with the nomination, I had to do a double-take. I went back and read it again. And again. It took a few tries for it to sink in—I had made it to the top ten out of 250 nominations for the Clifford Chance Career Changer of the Year Award.

Shock hit me first, followed closely by disbelief. Then, as the reality set in and excitement took over, my heart was racing, and I couldn’t stop smiling. To know that my journey and all the risks I had taken were being recognised in such a big way—it was an incredible feeling, one I will never forget.

“To think that a mere five years ago, I was walking around eight miles per day, delivering mail to members of my own community. Yet here I am five years later, making an impact within a field I have admired for many years and a finalist for a prestigious nationwide award is still a little unbelievable.

All this from a simple enquiry sent to Dr Paul Webster, who encouraged me to enrol on the EtP Pathway, which completely changed my life. I wouldn't be where I am now without the incredible staff and I owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Lifelong learning is so important and has become a staple of my life.”

Dr Paul Webster, Coordinator of the EtP Pathway commented:

“We are all immensely proud of Scott. He has achieved so much over the past five years and this has been rightly acknowledged at this national award ceremony. It was a great honour working with Scott on the EtP Pathway, seeing him progress, building his confidence and achieving his ambitions. Congratulations Scott!”