Matthew Evans’ story has recently reached a wider audience through both radio and print, highlighting the difference persistence, adult learning and the right support can make.

Matthew shared his journey on 89.7FM’s In Good Company with Lisa Evans on Thursday 27 August, with his story later featured in the Echo Newspaper on 11 September. 

His experience captures an important message behind Adult Learners Week: learning does not always follow a straight path. With persistence, the right support and an opportunity to learn in a way that works for the individual, barriers that once seemed overwhelming can be overcome.

Matthew’s story also highlights the important role Read Write Now’s volunteer tutors play across Western Australia, providing personalised one-to-one support that helps adult learners build skills, confidence and new possibilities.

As featured in the Echo Newspaper 

FOR Matthew Evans becoming a qualified automotive mechanic in Midland was about much more than completing an apprenticeship.

It was the result of years of persistence, practical learning and determination to overcome challenges that had followed him throughout his education.

Mr Evans, 32, has ADHD and did not follow a mainstream schooling pathway. He attended a gap program and received education support, which meant returning to formal study as an adult was not always straightforward.

When he began his automotive apprenticeship, he quickly proved himself in the workshop, enjoying the practical work and developing the hands-on skills needed for the trade.

The theory component of his Certificate III, however, was much more difficult and written assessments, technical language and the amount of reading required became significant barriers.

After progressing through most of his apprenticeship, Mr Evans found himself unable to pass one of the remaining theory units needed to complete his qualification.

Rather than giving up, he sought additional support through Read Write Now.

Working one-to-one with a volunteer tutor gave him the opportunity to revisit the course material at his own pace, break complex information into manageable steps and strengthen the literacy and study skills he needed.

Over time, he completed the outstanding theory work connected to his apprenticeship and has now successfully completed his apprenticeship and is a qualified automotive mechanic.

For Mr Evans, this achievement has created new possibilities and with practical experience, technical knowledge and a recognised qualification behind him, he is now looking for white-collar opportunities within the automotive sector.

His journey is a reminder that learners do not all succeed in the same way or at the same pace and he was able to move beyond the barriers he had experienced and take an important step towards the career he wants.