As we celebrate Adult Learners' Week this September, we want to take the opportunity to reflect on the indispensable role that further education colleges play in supporting lifelong learning, giving adults from every part of Wales access to confidence-building, upskilling education.
Further education colleges have been at the heart of our communities for decades, offering a diverse range of learning opportunities for people at all stages of life and with any qualification level, providing critical pathways for adult learners seeking to upskill, retrain, and embrace new challenges. From vocational qualifications to personal development courses, adult learners can pursue flexible, accessible opportunities that suit their needs and fit into their lives.
Our colleges provide a welcoming environment for anyone looking to improve their skills, whether for career progression, a change in direction, or simply for personal growth. With affordable courses, flexible learning options, and targeted support, these institutions help ensure that learning is accessible to everyone - regardless of age, background, prior qualifications, or life circumstances.
Supporting economic and personal growth
The value of adult education cannot be overstated when it comes to improving economic outcomes for individuals and the economic outlook for the whole country. On a daily basis, FE colleges are helping adults re-enter the workforce by offering essential training and vocational qualifications that align with the changing needs of local employers, providing learners with the tools they need to build sustainable careers; increasing social mobility, breaks down economic barriers and improving lives. But many don’t just benefit economically from adult learning. Engaging in lifelong learning can have a profound and positive impact on mental health and wellbeing; boosting confidence, improving self-esteem, and helping individuals gain a renewed sense of purpose simply from participating. On top of this, many FE colleges offer additional support to adult learners, such as wellbeing activities, counselling services, and peer support networks, ensuring that learners have the tools they need to thrive inside and outside of college life.
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Building Stronger Communities
FE colleges do much more than just provide education - they bringing people together and help to create thriving diverse communities made up of people from every background and walk of life. Colleges strengthen these important societal connections and promote a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within local areas. In fact, many adult learners, after gaining new confidence in their colleges, become more active participants in their local communities, contributing to a more inclusive and engaged society that benefits us all.
Colleges also provide an invaluable link between local employers and local people. The relationships forged between businesses and FE colleges provide learners with a foresight of the workforce needs before they happen, giving learners the chance to get the right skills and be in the right place at the right time to succeed. As the world of work rapidly evolves thanks to AI and the green economy, this level of insight can level the playing field for local areas to ensure that local families benefit rather than workforces having to be imported.
Looking Ahead
Above are just a few of the many reasons why adult learning and the resources provided by FE colleges are so important to local communities and Wales at large. At ColegauCymru, we are proud to work alongside colleges to promote and support adult education. We know that the impact of lifelong learning extends far beyond the classroom - it transforms lives, strengthens communities, and drives economic growth. As we look to the future, we will continue to champion the value of adult learning and the essential role that FE colleges play in building a stronger, more inclusive Wales.
Happy Adult Learners' Week to all those embarking on new learning journeys!
Adult Leaners’ Week - Never Stop Learning
15 - 21 September 2025
ColegauCymru Report
Demonstrating the social value of further education colleges in Wales
April 2024
Amy Williams, ColegauCymru Policy Officer
Amy.Williams@Colegau.Cymru.ac.uk
