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
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.
22 June 2026
More adults in Wales are learning but are we reaching those who need it the most?
Learning and Work Institute’s latest Adult Participation in Learning Survey for Wales tells a positive story of increasing engagement in learning but it also shows that those who may benefit most are missing out. Nearly half of adults in Wales (47%) have taken part in learning over the past three years, a higher rate than the UK average (42%) but stark inequalities emerge when we look at age, demographics and employment status. The definition of learning in this survey is intentionally broad and extends beyond government or employer funded opportunities to include informal and self-directed learning.
10 June 2026
Young adult carers in further education: Toolkit for FE colleges in Wales
This practical toolkit for further education (FE) colleges in Wales highlights effective approaches to supporting young adult carers in FE.
27 April 2026
Adult Learners’ Week
Adult Learners’ Week is an annual campaign that inspires adults to take a step back into learning to improve their confidence and wellbeing, switch careers and progress in work, discover new hobbies and connect with other people or to seek advice and guidance on the existing pathways available to them.
23 March 2026
Retiring MS honoured with outstanding contribution to lifelong learning award
Wales should set a bold ambition for at least three quarters of working-age people to be in work, closing the employment gap with the rest of the UK, argues a new report from Learning and Work Institute (L&W). The report finds this would boost the Welsh economy by £1.4 billion and save taxpayers up to £500 million per year.
18 March 2026
Challenging times? Time for a challenging curriculum.
Post-16 education in Wales is going through a period of innovation and change.
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.
