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.

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.

Created With Care: How young adult carers shaped Learning and Work Institute’s new toolkit for FE Colleges in Wales.

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.

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.

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.

Challenging times? Time for a challenging curriculum.

Post-16 education in Wales is going through a period of innovation and change.

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.

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.