Sponsored by Cefin Campbell, MS.
What can Wales learn from the Republic of Ireland about learner participation in adult education?
We learned about the development of the Learner Ambassador framework and how providers can implement it to engage learners as local learning advocates. Additionally, we heard first hand from learners in Wales who participated in the project, as well as the Learner Ambassadors from the Cork Education and Training Board. We also gained valuable insights into the pilot initiative led by Cardiff and Vale College.
The Taith Learner Ambassador Programme is a partnership with representatives from Ceredigion Council, Neath Port Talbot Adult Learning Partnership, Adult Learning Wales, Carmarthenshire Adult Community Learning, Conwy & Denbighshire ACL partnership, Gwynedd & Môn ACL Partnership, Cardiff and Vale College, Coleg Gwent and Learning and Work Institute.
Speakers:
- Cefin Campbell, MS
- Wayne Carter, Cardiff and Vale College
- Paula O’Shea and Catherine Pattison, Cork
- Martyn Bevan, Learner – Neath
- Emma McLoughlin, Cardiff and Vale College
- Beth Williams and Walter Brooks, Taith
- Joshua Miles, Learning and Work Institute
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.
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.
