Honouring a career dedicated to learners, families and community education across the city
Hull Training & Adult Education marked a significant moment last week as Sharon Gamble, Head of Service, retired after 25 years of dedicated service. Sharon had been a driving force in shaping the organisation and in supporting learners and families across the city throughout her career.
Sharon’s journey began at the Women’s Centre on Hall Road, where she worked closely with women and families to create meaningful learning opportunities. One of her earliest and most lasting achievements was the development of the much‑loved Rainbow Garden. What began as unused land was transformed into a vibrant, welcoming community space that supported learners of all ages and abilities and became a valued part of local learning provision.
She later moved to the Avenues Adult Education Centre, where she taught teacher training and assessor qualifications while continuing her outreach work with families. During this time, Sharon’s passion for Egyptology inspired innovative and creative family learning sessions, bringing history to life for parents and children across Hull and sparking curiosity and confidence in learning.
As Sharon progressed into roles including Quality Lead and later into senior management, her influence continued to grow. She coordinated family learning programmes in primary schools across the city and led on initiatives that left a lasting impression. Among the most fondly remembered were the Harry Potter–themed workshops, which engaged families in learning experiences that were both imaginative and impactful.
Sharon’s work extended beyond Hull through international projects with the British Council. She played a key role in strengthening learning partnerships across Europe and was instrumental in hosting a European Family Learning Conference at the Guildhall, showcasing Hull’s commitment to inclusive and innovative adult education.
Across every role she held, Sharon consistently championed lifelong learning, empowered families, supported tutors, and helped shape the strong, inclusive service that exists today.
Hull Training & Adult Education thank Sharon for her creativity, leadership, and unwavering dedication, and wished her a happy and thoroughly well‑deserved retirement.