Cardiff dad retrains as teacher and graduates with first-class honours after wife’s death
A mature student has achieved first-class honours at Cardiff Metropolitan University and secured national recognition as an ’Undergraduate of the Year’ finalist.
Warren Abraham, 52, made the decision to retrain as a teacher following the death of his wife during the Covid-19 pandemic, having previously worked as a teaching assistant. Determined to build a new future for himself and his young son, he enrolled at Cardiff Met and quickly stood out for his academic strength and resilience.
Throughout his time at Cardiff Met, Warren immersed himself in opportunities to develop professionally and connect with peers, including mentoring younger students. As a mature student with real-world experience, he became a positive role model within Cardiff School of Education and Social Policy - earning the nickname of ‘Dad’ among his cohort.
He was also recognised in the highly competitive Undergraduate of the Year Awards, where he was shortlisted from over 5,000 applicants across the UK in the ‘career changer’ category. The Undergraduate of the Year Awards is run by Target Jobs and rewards the best students in the UK.
The Career Changer award celebrates individuals who have made significant shifts in their careers and demonstrated excellence and determination in the face of challenges. As part of the finalist event, Warren had the opportunity to meet other shortlisted students and public figures, including Jamie Laing of Made in Chelsea.
As part of his final year at the University, Warren won a first-class grade for his final project exploring the experiences of left-handed children in education. Drawing from his own observations and personal interests, he investigated the often-overlooked challenges that left-handed pupils face in classroom environments predominantly designed for right-handed learners.
Warren credits his academic success to the support of his late wife's family, who have played an essential role in helping him raise his son. Their help with childcare and tuition finance allowed him the time and peace of mind to focus on his studies.
Now preparing to enter the classroom as a fully qualified teacher, Warren is particularly drawn to working with upper Key Stage 2, year groups he finds both challenging and deeply rewarding. He explained: “With older pupils - especially in Years 4, 5, and 6 - you really have to earn their engagement. They’re beginning to form their own ideas and test boundaries, so building that connection takes effort, but that challenge is what makes it so rewarding. I’m excited by the opportunity to make a lasting impact at such a crucial stage, just as they’re preparing for the big leap to secondary school. It’s a pivotal time in their lives, and I want to be someone who helps them navigate it with confidence.”
Crossing the Wales Millennium Centre stage at Cardiff Met's graduation ceremony in July, Warren looks forward to being joined by his son and parents-in-law for the big day.