This week, ColegauCymru took part in the College Alliance International Conference, bringing together college leaders and policymakers from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, alongside international partners from further afield, to explore the transformative role of colleges in tackling unemployment and supporting those furthest from opportunity.
Held on 28 and 29 January 2026 at Coleg Cambria’s Yale Campus, the conference focused on how colleges can better support young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), as well as adults navigating significant transitions in work and life. Discussions centred on the funding, policies and partnerships needed to enable colleges to deliver meaningful and sustained impact within their communities. Delegates joined workshops from across the globe - including best practice shared from the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA), and case studies from Switzerland, Belgium, and Austria. As part of the international programme, ColegauCymru led a workshop focused on ‘A new 14-19 learning and progression pathway for Wales’ supported by Medr.
The workshop was chaired by ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, and explored the need for a more coherent and inclusive 14-19 pathway that offers learners greater choice and clearer progression routes. The session considered how collaboration between schools, colleges, employers and the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector can improve access to vocational options alongside a strong local academic offer.
Speaking after the event, David said,
“This conference provided a valuable opportunity to share learning across nations, highlight the strengths of the Welsh college sector, and explore shared challenges and ambitions for the future with colleagues from Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. I was pleased to host the Wales workshop which reinforced the importance of collaboration between schools and colleges in creating a 14–19 system that genuinely works for learners, offering high-quality vocational and academic pathways and clear progression routes. Colleges in Wales play a vital role in supporting learners and communities, and it was encouraging to be part of such constructive, forward-looking discussions with our international partners.”
The workshop featured contributions from senior leaders across the Welsh education and skills system, including:
- Rhian Edwards, Executive Director for Policy and Investment, Medr
- Jonathan Morgan, Co Vice-Chair, ColegauCymru, and Principal and Chief Executive, Coleg y Cymoedd
- Yana Williams, Co Vice-Chair, ColegauCymru, and Chief Executive, Coleg Cambria
The International Conference was hosted by The College Alliance, a collaborative network established in 2017 that brings together college sector leaders and senior officials from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. Aligned with the vision of the Independent Commission on the College of the Future, the Alliance provides a space for shared learning, thought leadership and long-term system thinking.
Our participation in the Conference reflects our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively across borders to share best practice, influence policy and ensure colleges in Wales continue to play a central role in supporting learners, communities and the economy.
Further Information
The College Alliance Conference
Pathways To Prosperity: Supporting Those Furthest From Opportunity across Work, Welfare, and Wellbeing
28 - 29 January 2026, Wrexham
Coleg Cambria News
Education leaders from across the UK and Europe were welcomed to Wrexham as we hosted a landmark international conference powered and delivered by our students
ColegauCymru Manifesto
Growth, Opportunity and Fairness
Amy Williams, Policy Officer
Amy.Williams@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
