Pembrokeshire College is celebrating the remarkable achievements of welding tutor Fred Murad, who has been recognised with the prestigious Life Change Award at this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards.
Fred’s journey is one of resilience, determination and the transformative power of lifelong learning. Following the tragic loss of his wife, Claire, to sepsis in 2021, Fred was faced with the challenge of raising his two young children while rebuilding his future.
Determined to develop the skills needed to support his family and create new opportunities, he took his first step back into education through a Springboard adult learning course at his children’s school in Pembrokeshire.
Since then, Fred has embraced every opportunity to learn, completing 25 courses over the past five years in subjects including family learning, numeracy, literacy, digital skills and welding.
Today, Fred is not only continuing his own educational journey but is also helping others achieve their potential as a welding tutor at Pembrokeshire College. His learning journey has transformed his career, taking him from managing chefs in the hospitality industry to teaching and inspiring learners in a technical and vocational setting.
Alongside his teaching role, Fred is completing the final year of a Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and is working towards a Level 3 Award in Education, Teaching and Learning at Pembrokeshire College. He plans to continue his studies to achieve a Bachelor’s degree and ultimately pursue his ambition of becoming a lecturer.
Reflecting on receiving the award, Fred said: “I was honoured to be nominated but to win the award is surreal. I am grateful and blessed and I wonder what Claire would think of me.
“If I had passed away instead of Claire, I wouldn’t want her to give up, so I can’t let her down.
“If you have the opportunity, go for it. That first step you take to get back into learning might just be the opportunity you need to open doors to propel you to the next level.”
Fred’s commitment to education and personal growth has also made a lasting impact on those around him. His nominator, Laura Phillips of Springboard at Pembrokeshire County Council, praised his dedication to learners, saying: “As a tutor, Fred has the same mentality as the one he adopted for the sake of his children. He says he is not going to give up on anyone and wants to inspire every learner to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve.”
The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government, celebrate individuals whose commitment to learning has transformed their lives and the lives of those around them. Fred is one of 11 winners who will be honoured at an awards ceremony at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff during Adult Learners’ Week.
A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire College said: “Fred’s story is a powerful example of how education can change lives. His determination to create a brighter future for himself and his children, combined with his passion for helping others succeed, embodies the values we champion at Pembrokeshire College.
“We are incredibly proud of Fred’s achievement and delighted to see his dedication, resilience and commitment to lifelong learning recognised on a national stage. He is an inspiration not only to our learners but also to colleagues across the College.”
