With the Welsh Government committed to a making Wales a second chance nation and a new duty to promote lifelong learning being considered as part of new legislation, there has never been a more important time for the sector to make their voice heard and to influence decision makers. This annual Adult Learning Conference focussed on what needs to be done to make these ambitions a reality.
The Education Minister Jeremy Miles outlined his vision of a second chance nation. Dr Sue Pember, the author of an important new report on making Wales the land of lifelong learning, set out her recommendations.
As well as the keynote speakers and panel discussions there was a workshops on Taith, Welsh Government’s new International Learning Exchange Programme and Educators Wales – a careers, training and recruitment portal for educators and aspiring educators in Wales.
Speakers:
- Scott Jenkinson, Youth Shedz Cymru
- Jeremy Miles, MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language
- Susana Galvan Hernandez, Director
- Dr Sue Pember CBE, Policy Director for HOLEX
- Kathryn Robson, Chief Executive, Adult Learning Wales
- Kieron Rees, Universities Wales
- Phil Southard, Vale of Glamorgan
- Kelly Fountain, NPTC Group of Colleges
14 January 2026
Adult Learning Partnerships in Wales
Adult Community Learning (ACL) provides flexible learning opportunities for adults and families, delivered in venues in the community to meet local needs. There is an Adult Learning Partnership in every Local Authority area and a lead for adult community learning in each Local Authority and Further Education Institution.
13 January 2026
Inspire! Adult Learning Awards
Nominations have opened for the 2026 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. The annual awards are organised by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, and they celebrate the exceptional achievements of individuals and community projects in Wales that demonstrate outstanding passion, commitment, and drive to improve themselves and their community through lifelong learning.
1 January 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.
17 December 2025
Motivations, Aspirations & Barriers to Adult Learning
This research was in partnership with the Learning and Work Institute Cymru to gain greater insight into adult learner experiences of further and higher education in Wales as this is largely a missing voice from the recent literature.
3 December 2025
Family Learning
Family learning changes lives. Evidence shows that when learning opportunities for adults are linked to the education of children in the family, it builds motivation, confidence and a commitment to learning.
7 November 2025
Spotlight on Newport – Place within a place
Ufi VocTech Trust, in partnership with Adult Learning Wales, Newport City Council and Learning and Work Institute, have launched an innovative place-based collaboration to integrate education and skills development opportunities within the communities of East Newport.
7 November 2025
Shine a light on the heroes of adult learning – celebrate the tutors who inspire, support, and transform lives every day.
Learning and Work Institute announces the launch of the Inspire! Tutor Awards 2026, celebrating the dedication, passion, and impact of adult learning tutors across Wales.
10 October 2025
Never Stop Learning: Celebrating Success at This Year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards
Last month, Swansea came alive with celebration as we honoured the incredible achievements of adult learners at the awards ceremony. The room was filled with emotion, warmth, and powerful stories of perseverance and triumph. Each story is a shining example of the impact of lifelong learning as a catalyst for change that opens doors, builds confidence, and sparks real transformation.
16 September 2025
It’s September, it’s back to school… and it’s Adult Learners’ Week. We’re putting family learning under the spotlight!
September has arrived, and my focus is on Adult Learners’ Week and coordinating a campaign with hundreds of partners across Wales. Together, we aim to encourage more adults to build their skills with confidence. We approach the campaign by identifying key partners to reach into communities and crafting messages that resonate with those who may have learned too early that education isn’t for them.
