The Labour Party's manifesto aims to reform further and higher education by integrating business, training providers and unions within a governmental effort to ensure a highly trained workforce. Skills England will align training with labour market needs, empower local leaders and enhance support for job seekers. However, the focus on young people overlooks adult learners who are not yet ready for the labour market. At Fircroft College, an adult residential college in Birmingham, we address the needs of adult learners facing barriers such as trauma, homelessness and unemployment. Our transformative learning model helps adult learners gain the skills and confidence needed to progress educationally, and to contribute to society and the economy. This paper describes Fircroft College's approach. Notwithstanding funding limitations, and a national policy which privileges labour market skills, it is based on developing reality-driven competencies through short-term, non-accredited learning focused on well-being, personal growth and coping skills. Fircroft emphasises practical skills rooted in real-world contexts, and makes the most of the vital role which can be played in adult education by residential learning.