Nayer Pasha retells her adult education success with CEO Tom Stannard after landing a new job
Manchester City Council CEO, Tom Stannard, visited Manchester Adult education in Longsight. During his visit he was able to see the role that Adult Education plays in changing the lives of learners.
During Tom’s visit he was introduced to Nayer Pasha, from Levenshulme and they discussed, at length, the impact of adult education in Manchester. Nayer says she always wanted to achieve something “meaningful” since arriving to start a new life in the UK in 2011.
Originally from Pakistan, Nayer holds qualifications from her home country, but faced significant hurdles which made it difficult to continue studying or gain meaningful employment. That is until the Manchester Adult Education Centre (MAES) provided the support and flexibility she needed to thrive.
She achieved key qualifications in Maths, English and digital skills followed by a Level 2 and 3 Cybersecurity qualification which was the catalyst to her securing her new role at the council after overcoming spinal myelopathy.
Nayer, winner of the Learner Celebration of Achievement award, told her incredible story to Tom Stannard, the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, in a one-to-one sit down at Longsight Library and Learning Centre.
She said being able to share her story with Tom her desire to change the direction of her career through MAES and completing her Cybersecurity course amid her health battle was one of her proudest achievements. Being supported by MAES, helped her land her new job.
MAES, one of the largest adult education providers, offers free or low-cost courses to help adults in the city improve skills, gain qualifications, and access work or further education through a range of diverse courses including English, maths, digital skills, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), vocational training and community learning. Centre staff and tutors work closely with learners to ensure they are joining the right course to
Despite her debilitating health condition and facing warnings that she might never walk again, Nayer fought through unbearable pain, urgent surgery, and intensive physiotherapy to regain mobility – ultimately scoring 94% on her English exam just weeks after leaving hospital, thanks to unwavering support from friends and tutors.
Nayer says she once struggled to speak and to make friends, but the confidence she gained in pushing herself to learn something new during a tumultuous time is what she values the most.
Nayer went to on to apply for her first role in Cybersecurity at Manchester City Council and the very next day was told she landed the job. She says her Cybersecurity course helped her stand out during the recruitment process and the day-to-day skills she now utilises such as network setup, security protocols, and troubleshooting.
She also described her digital skills course as “instrumental” in building both her technical knowledge and practical skills. It helped her to develop critical skills such as system administration, threat identification, and secure data management
MAES’ full programme of free computing, digital and IT courses start in January 2026 and cover everything from casual skill up workshops and beginner courses to digital specialisms such as workplace office essentials, cybersecurity, digital marketing, programming and networking.
Nayer Pasha, a former Adult Education student, said: “Beginning my studies with the Manchester Adult Education Centre was one of the best things I’ve done. It was very difficult to be studying and balancing the sudden turn in my health. But having the support and endless encouragement from my friends and tutors meant everything to me. For me, my new role in Cybersecurity at the council is a full circle moment.”
Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: “Meeting Nayer Pasha was a powerful reminder of how vital adult education is in transforming the life chances of people across Manchester. Her journey shows what’s possible when residents have access to the right opportunities, support, and encouragement. Adult education doesn’t just build skills – it builds confidence, community, and a future that everyone in our city can share in.”
Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member foe Skills, Employment and Leisure and Chair of the Manchester Adult Education Service Board, said: “We are proud to offer inspirational adult education that connects Manchester’s adults to their potential, their community, and their future. Our learners are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to helping them thrive.”
Digital skills course enrolment is taking place from 6-8 January at MAES centres in Crumpsall, Gorton, Longsight, Moss Side, Withington and Wythenshawe. Appointments are available between 9:30am-1:30pm.
