Sir, I am writing to you to tell you of my experience of adult learning. I am 34-years-old, working in the retail trade but wish to make a career change. Approximately two years ago, I found myself out of work and so decided to take up further education in IT skills.

This was an area I felt a lot of jobs used in some sort of capacity and, therefore, I decided to conquer my IT inexperience in the hope that it would broaden my career prospects. I studied at Dallam Education Centre and in my first term undertook: Introduction to the Internet; Beginners Introduction to Computing; RSA stage 1; and Computer Operating Systems.

All of the above courses were achieved throughout the term with a final assessment by the tutor of work handed in.

I found that I could type, access the Internet easily and even knew a little bit about the working of my computer! My appetite for learning was whetted and I signed up again for a second term at Dallam, confident in the knowledge that I was doing something positive and to enhance my learning knowledge. In my second term, I undertook: RSA stage 2; Diploma in IT; and Introduction to PowerPoint.

The above subjects were more involved than my previous term but it felt good when I obtained results for all the above. I felt really good in achieving my Diploma in IT as this involved typing multi-page documents accurately, at times myself and other students thought we would never complete the tasks but we did.

I decided in my second term to apply for administration jobs, I already had a part-time job to fit in around my studies but felt I was ready for prospective employers to have a look at me and what I had achieved and consider me fairly with all other candidates.

At Kendal Job Centre, I was encouraged by a member of staff to apply for a position with the government. I was a little sceptical but I was told, "Have a go, you stand as good a chance as the next person in getting the job!" So I applied and in around a month's time I had an interview at Lancaster.

I did not hear from the government until about six weeks later. This letter started off by telling me I had been successful (great) but in the latter stages told me not to resign from any position as it could take up to a year to place ME.

This is now commonly known as a reserve list but, being new to this kind of interview and its workings, I got my hopes up until at least six months lapsed and despite complaining to the government about the wording of the letter and how it raises people's hopes, a year on, my time has come to a close.

I have since applied for numerous jobs, only hoping to get more interviews under my belt, and waiting for a chance to meet employers, get an opportunity to tell them what I have achieved, which I am proud of, and hope that they view me favourably.

I have even applied for junior positions realising that I may have to start at the bottom, and will need to be trained a little more than experienced people, but alas all of my applications have been in vain. I always get the reply, "We are looking for people with proven experience," or words to that effect. They also wish me good luck with future applications but if they are not willing to even interview me, who will?

It is good to learn. I went back to Dallam last term to undertake Sage Accounting and RSA stage 3, but feel employers are not viewing me fairly.

I do not regret investing time into furthering my education and live in hope that someone, somewhere will think, "She's got to start somewhere, let's have a look at this person", but with each "Dear John" letter that lands on the mat, my enthusiasm wanes. I did think my age could be a disadvantage but reading your article (It's never too late to get some qualifications, May 9), it does not seem to be the case for the individuals shown.

I ask that you print this in the paper, so that employers understand - to gain experience, somebody needs an opportunity.

Elaine Watson

Kendal

May 22, 2003 14:30