Birmingham Adult Education Service

Bringing Parliament to Life at BAES 🏛️

Our learners recently took part in an inspiring UK Parliament workshop, exploring how laws are made, the role of MPs, and how they can make their voices heard.

Through interactive discussions, learners gained confidence and discovered how issues affecting their day-to-day lives are debated nationally, and how they can play a part in that process. For many, it was their first meaningful introduction to Parliament, opening doors to new knowledge, opportunities, and a sense of belonging.

“One session has made me feel more confident about my rights and my voice,” shared learner Marzia.

A big thank you to Clare Mullin and the Parliamentary Outreach team for delivering such an engaging and empowering session.

Now the photos are in, we’re taking a moment to look back on last week’s incredible event… and what a celebration it was! 📸✨

Our Community Learning Creative Arts End of Year Show brought people together in a powerful showcase of creativity, confidence and collaboration. From vibrant artwork to inspiring performances at the Birmingham Rep, every moment reflected the passion and talent of our learners.

As Samreen Razaq, Head of Faculty – Community Learning, shared:

“Last week’s Community Learning Showcase was a powerful celebration of talent, confidence, diversity and community. With over 300 people in attendance, the event captured the spirit of We Are Birmingham and highlighted the transformative impact our courses have on learners’ lives.”

It wasn’t just about the final pieces, but the journeys behind them, building skills, confidence and the courage to express something personal.

Thank you to everyone who made it so special!

📣 FREE Barclays Workshops at Brasshouse - Monday 22 June!

Join us for a series of practical, friendly workshops designed to help you feel more confident managing your money and staying safe from scams.

Monday 22 June 2026 - Brasshouse (Room 7)

Budgeting & Healthy Money Habits:
10:00–12:00

Fraud & Scams:
12:00–13:00

You’re welcome to attend one session or both...and they’re completely FREE!

How to join:

Register at Brasshouse reception or join via Teams using the sign-up form below:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=cvyK9n3GCUK8D4sm3L3QGfIhe5T0NtJJkLXvcgRQR7FUREM2RDk2TjdBVEMxUUVINFAwOEhNOU80Ri4u

Learn new skills, build confidence, and take control of your finances.

Choices Employer & Volunteering Event!

If you’re in the area, pop in and see us today (until 1:00pm) on the 3rd Floor, Library of Birmingham.

This is your chance to explore a wide range of employment, training and volunteering opportunities all in one place. from construction and healthcare to childcare, IT, business start-up and more.

It’s a great chance to meet local employers and organisations offering:

✅ Jobs and career opportunities
✅ Free training and courses
✅ Volunteering to build skills and confidence



Avon Midland Mencap CodeYourFuture National Careers Service West Midlands Better Pathways Embark Learning Care Academy The Library of Birmingham Monarch Education Humly UK

Congratulations to all our amazing learners who joined us last night at the Banqueting Suite, Birmingham City Council House, to celebrate their outstanding achievements.
It was a true privilege to hear so many remarkable stories of resilience, determination and success. We are incredibly proud of the 28 learners who bravely took to the stage to share their inspirational journeys in front of such a large audience.
Seeing our award winners shine in such a prestigious and historic setting made the evening even more special. As was said on the night: “You deserve to be celebrated in a venue like this. Birmingham is rightly proud of you!”
A big thank you to our sponsor Equans UK for their support, and to all our guest speakers and presenters for making the evening so memorable.
We’ll be sharing more highlights and stories from the night over the coming days. For now, we just want to say – what an incredible evening. We hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did!

On Friday 5th June, BAES proudly celebrated the invaluable contribution of our volunteers at our annual Volunteer Celebration Event! ⭐

The event was very well attended, and we were delighted to be joined and supported by members of the Senior Leadership Team, including Ilgun, Helen, Pauline and Sameena, whose presence highlighted the importance of recognising our volunteers’ impact.

Throughout the academic year, 56 volunteers supported 82 placements across a range of curriculum areas, making a meaningful impact on learners’ experiences and success. From ESOL to Maths, English and other subjects, volunteers have played a vital role in supporting teaching and learning.

The event provided an opportunity to recognise and thank all volunteers for their time, dedication and commitment. Their support continues to make a real difference in building confidence, skills and opportunities for learners across Birmingham.

A special thank you from the Learner Services Team to all volunteers who have supported BAES this year – your contribution truly changes lives. ✨

Our learners have been working together to create a special recipe book 📖, bringing together dishes that hold real meaning to them, each one telling its own story!

Mohammed’s Koobideh Kebab is a dish that means a lot to him and his community, traditionally served at celebrations and enjoyed by so many.

He learned how to make it while working alongside his uncle, a professional chef, gaining hands-on experience in a busy restaurant kitchen.

For Mohammed, cooking this dish brings back those moments and keeps tradition alive, recreating the flavours he grew up with and sharing something that connects people.

Ingredients:

• 500 g of minced meat (lamb and beef)
• One large onion
• One teaspoon of salt
• One half of a teaspoon of black pepper
________________________________________

Method:

Grate the onion and remove all the juice.

Mix the meat, onion, salt and black pepper for a few minutes until the mixture becomes sticky.

Place the mixture in the fridge for one hour. This helps it hold together better.

Take some of the meat and press it onto a skewer, shaping it evenly with your hands.

Grill over hot charcoal. Turn the skewers quickly at first so the meat does not fall off, then cook slowly.

Important Tips:

The onion must be dry.

The meat should not be too fatty or too lean.