Redbridge Institute wins VR Learning Award at Get Nation Learning

Key Points

• Redbridge Institute of Adult Education won the ‘Learning with Technology’ Award at the Get the Nation Learning Awards 2025.
• Award sponsored by Ufi VocTech Trust recognised innovative use of AI and virtual reality across courses like Maths, Childcare, and ESOL.
• Virtual reality headsets enable learners to practice real-life scenarios such as nursery environments and job interviews.
• Interview skills platform assesses speech, body language, and eye contact, providing personalised feedback.
• Installation of an immersive classroom facilitates live collaboration among students in different locations.
• The use of technology also benefits staff, with tutors earning certificates in Technology Enhanced Teaching.
• The Get the Nation Learning Awards highlight adult education initiatives that promote healthier futures, stronger communities, and more opportunities.
• The award presentation took place at the Barbican as part of Get the Nation Learning Week.
• Rebecca Garrod-Waters, CEO at Ufi VocTech Trust, and Stephen Evans, CEO of Learning and Work Institute, praised Redbridge Institute’s achievements.
• Partners involved in the project include London South East Colleges, Newham College, Our Newham Learning and Skills, Mary Ward Centre, and Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service.

What is the significance of Redbridge Institute winning the ‘Learning with Technology’ Award?

As reported by the Get the Nation Learning Awards official release, Redbridge Institute of Adult Education secured the prestigious ‘Learning with Technology’ Award in 2025 for its groundbreaking incorporation of artificial intelligence and virtual reality in adult education courses. The award, sponsored by Ufi VocTech Trust, recognises inspiring examples of technology positively impacting the learner experience.

The institute’s use of virtual reality (VR) headsets immerses learners in realistic environments tailored to their courses, including nursery and school settings for Early Years Childcare and Teaching Assistant learners, further enhancing practical learning. This innovative approach also aids ESOL and Maths students by creating interactive, engaging learning scenarios.

How does virtual reality assist learners in Redbridge courses?

According to a detailed statement by Rebecca Garrod-Waters, CEO of Ufi VocTech Trust, VR is employed to simulate real-life settings, enabling learners to practice and develop essential skills in a controlled yet realistic manner. For example, learners experiencing job interview scenarios benefit from an AI-driven interview skills platform that analyses verbal responses, body language, and eye contact. This platform then generates personalised feedback, giving learners the tools and confidence to succeed in actual interviews.

What are the broader educational impacts of this technology adoption?

Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, commented:

“Technology can enhance learning in many different ways, and Redbridge Institute of Adult Education is a fantastic example of how that can be done. The provision offers learners innovative new ways to gain the skills they need to progress and helps them find routes to employment.”

Another key technological advancement featured is the immersive classroom, which allows students in separate physical locations to collaborate synchronously, supercharging peer-to-peer learning. This environment fosters a dynamic learning culture while overcoming the constraints of distance.

How has the use of technology impacted the teaching staff?

The Redbridge Institute’s commitment to technological integration extends to its educators, with tutors and managers achieving qualifications in Technology Enhanced Teaching. This focus ensures that teaching professionals are equipped to deliver high-quality, tech-supported education.

What is the context of the Get the Nation Learning Awards 2025?

The awards ceremony took place at the Barbican during Get the Nation Learning Week, marking the highlight of the Get the Nation Learning campaign. This initiative, spearheaded by the Learning and Work Institute and supported by over 100 organisations including Channel 4 and Make UK, aims to showcase the vital role adult education plays in building stronger communities and boosting regional economic growth.

Out of ten award categories recognising learners, tutors, and organisations, Redbridge Institute stood out for its exemplary use of technology. The awards focus on adult learning that supports healthier futures, stronger communities, more opportunities, regional growth, and richer lives.

Who collaborated with Redbridge Institute on this technological innovation?

Rebecca Garrod-Waters expressed gratitude towards the partners involved in the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) project that enabled the technology integration:

“The LSIF project gave partners opportunities to collaborate and innovate and the result is that technology is enabling learners across various courses to thrive. Give people time and space – and they will create.”

She highlighted London South East Colleges and Newham College for leading the project, with Our Newham Learning and Skills, Mary Ward Centre, and Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service co-designing and delivering sessions together with Redbridge Institute.

What does this recognition mean for adult learners in Redbridge and beyond?

The combination of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and live immersive classrooms represents a new frontier in adult education, demonstrating how technology can personalise learning, build learner confidence, and ultimately improve employment outcomes.

Learners who engage with these innovative methods gain skills that extend beyond theoretical knowledge to practical, real-world applications — from conducting professional interviews to early years childcare expertise.