Taking an adult learning course is a great way for people to improve their skills and get back into work.
This is according to the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, which has launched a new campaign to try and get more people to sign up to courses.
Maths and computer classes are among the options that can be taken by those wanting to increase their capabilities and campaigns officer for the body Kamy Basta said people should "make this year count".
"In these tough economic times the benefits of learning and improving our skills has never been more important - whether it is to stay in a job, or to get a job in the first place," she said.
One person who has benefited from the campaign in the past is 31-year-old Michael Douglas of Norwich, who took a 30-week course in sports skills training and education.
He was homeless and on benefits when he started the course, but has now managed to get two part-time jobs working with the YMCA and Norwich Football Club.
"I have gained employment because of the skills I've learnt," he said, adding that he "wouldn't be the same person that I am now" without doing the course.
Adult learning has also helped a couple from the city set up their own company.
Brian and Victoria Matthews started Victoria Blinds after taking adult literacy classes being run as part of the Skills for Life scheme.
They had both left school at 16 and Ms Matthews put what she had learnt under the initiative to use when designing the website for their new company.
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