The webinar shared the findings of L&W’s latest 2023 Adult Participation in Learning Survey for Wales. The implications of the survey for policy and practice in Wales, and the opportunities and challenges for lifelong learning in the context of the pandemic and beyond. were discussed.
The survey provides a unique insight into how many adults are taking part in learning each year, the benefits people see from learning, and the reasons why some adults say they have not taken part in learning.
Speakers:
- Emily Jones, Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute
- David Hagendyk, Chief Executive, Colleges Wales
- Chloe Rees, Organising and Development Officer, Wales TUC
- Kieron Rees, Assistant Director, Universities Wales, shared their perspectives and experiences on adult learning and career change.
Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2023 – Wales
Download25 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.
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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.
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.
