There is a growing consensus that across the UK a serious commitment to the rejuvenation and development of adult education and lifelong learning is needed.
Recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges presented by our exit from the European Union place more importance on the role of lifelong learning to equip people and communities with the resilience and skills to bounce back and move forward.
Join us for a discussion on the role of adult learning in Wales – developing a right to lifelong learning, moving Wales closer to a wellbeing society and a cohesive strategy for adult learning.
Speakers:
- Kirsty Williams, MS, Education Minister
- Bethan Sayed, MS, Plaid Cymru
- Suzy Davies, MS, Welsh Conservative Party
- Hefin David, MS, Welsh Labour
- Rob Humphreys, Interim Chair, HEFCW
- Sue Pember, Policy Director for HOLEX
- Colin McGregor, Director, ACE Aotearoa, New Zealand
- Graciela Sbertoli, Secretary General, European Basic Skills Network
2 November 2026
Inspire! Tutor Awards
The annual Inspire! Tutor Awards recognise the valuable work of tutors and mentors in supporting lifelong learning across Wales. We are inviting nominations on behalf of outstanding individuals whose commitment, knowledge and teaching skills have given adults the confidence to engage with learning and transform their lives.
19 October 2026
ESOL Effectiveness Self-Assessment Framework
The ESOL Effectiveness Self-Assessment Framework has been developed to support providers and partnerships to reflect on the quality, effectiveness and responsiveness of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision in Wales. Developed by Learning and Work Institute on behalf of Medr, the framework was co-produced with ESOL providers, practitioners, stakeholders and learners. It draws […]
25 September 2026
Why lifelong learning is good for people and workplaces
Learning is something that continues throughout our lives. Whether it is developing skills for work, improving digital confidence, learning from colleagues or exploring a new interest, every learning experience can contribute to our personal and professional development.
21 September 2026
Adult Learners’ Week: Putting learner voice at the centre of lifelong learning
Adult Learners’ Week is a national moment to celebrate the power of lifelong learning — but celebration is not enough. If we want more adults to start, stay and progress in learning, we must listen to what adult learners are telling us and use those insights to shape policy, funding and delivery.
21 September 2026
Stronger Together: The Adult Learning Partnership Wales
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, collaboration has never been more important. The Adult Learning Partnership Wales (ALPW) network brings together Adult Community Learning providers, Learning and Work Institute, Medr, Estyn, Welsh Government and other key stakeholders to strengthen adult learning through partnership, shared expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement.
21 September 2026
Time to celebrate adult learning as a positive force for change across Wales
Adult Learners’ Week – September 21-27 – offers a timely chance to celebrate individuals across Wales who have changed their lives through learning and encourages more of us to do the same.
17 September 2026
Understanding employer investment in skills
The Government’s plans to get the economy growing risk falling short unless it takes action to reverse sharp falls in the training employees get at work, new analysis warns.
22 June 2026
Adult learning in Wales: Adult Participation in Learning Survey
For nearly 30 years, Learning and Work Institute (L&W) has published its annual Adult Participation in Learning Survey. As the longest-running survey of its kind, it stands as the definitive report on who is learning across the UK, how they are learning, and what motivates them. It adopts a broad definition of learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning, rather than just publicly offered educational opportunities for adults. In 2025, we specifically boosted our survey sample in Wales to 800 adults. This expanded dataset allows us to take a closer look at the unique successes and distinct challenges facing Welsh learners, offering an invaluable point of comparison with the rest of the UK.
