Learners from colleges across Wales met with Senedd Members from across the political spectrum and sector leaders, at the final meeting of the the Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Further Education and Skills this Senedd term. Hosted at Gwersyll yr Urdd, the meeting explored post-16 participation and the experiences of learners as they navigate Wales’ evolving tertiary education landscape.
Learners studying a range of subjects and levels including welding, e-sports, restaurant services, and A levels travelled to Cardiff Bay to share their perspectives on access, independent advice and guidance, wellbeing, employer engagement, and the barriers and opportunities shaping their FE journeys. Their contributions will inform ColegauCymru’s ongoing work to shape the Welsh Government’s future thinking on tertiary education.
Celebrating FE champion John Griffiths MS and 27 years of service
This meeting marked a significant moment, as it was the final CPG chaired by John Griffiths MS, who will step down from the role after many years of support and leadership within the FE and Skills agenda. ColegauCymru extends its warmest thanks to John for his unwavering advocacy for learners and FE throughout more than 27 years of public service. His commitment as an MS and as a government minister has helped shape a stronger, fairer post16 sector in Wales.
Reflecting on the session, ColegauCymru Chair Lisa Thomas, said,
“Yesterday’s meeting showcased exactly why learner voice matters. Hearing directly from young people - about their ambitions, challenges, and hopes for the future - reminds us that their experiences must be central to the decisions we make about post-16 education. We are grateful to every learner who took part, and to John Griffiths MS for his long-standing support, leadership, and dedication to our sector. His contribution over the last 27 years has been remarkable, and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Learner-led discussion
Chaired by Rose Wahbi, Students’ Union President at Gower College Swansea, the learner panel brought together voices from across Wales, including learners from Pembrokeshire College, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Coleg Sir Gâr, Cardiff and Vale College, and Coleg Cambria. They discussed a range of topics including: access to advice and guidance; financial and practical barriers to participation; employer engagement and industry experience; wellbeing and Additional Learning Needs support; widening access for learners from diverse backgrounds; and flexible learning provision.
One learner said,
“Transport to college can be a barrier for some people, but if you chose to stay in school and go to sixth form then you’d be eligible for free transport. My college offers a bus pass to learners, but I know this isn’t the same everywhere. The new £1 bus fare is also good, but doesn’t go far enough.”
Another learner added,
“There’s a cost of living crisis happening right now, and my college used to provide a free breakfast for learners which so many of my friends used. But, because of budget cuts, it’s been taken away. It’s really unfortunate because I know some people are going hungry until lunch time, and a hungry student isn’t a focussed student.”
Their openness and insight were warmly welcomed by Members of the Senedd and sector representatives attending the session.
Why this Matters: Learner Voice and the Welsh Government Budget
The powerful learner voices heard at this week’s CPG underscored exactly why sustained, long-term investment in further education is essential. As highlighted in the ColegauCymru response to Welsh Government’s budget announcement - which warned that the current settlement risks shutting young people out of education and leaves a sector wide funding shortfall of more than £25 million - the need for reliable, sustainable funding has never been clearer.
With rising demand, pressures on wellbeing support, and increasing numbers of learners enrolling across Wales, the experiences shared by learners demonstrate the real-world consequences of underinvestment. Their testimonies strengthen the case for a budget that protects opportunity, safeguards provision, and ensures every young person can access the skills, support, and pathways they need to succeed.
Further Information
ColegauCymru News
Welsh Government budget risks shutting learners out of college
20 January 2026
Welsh Government Press Release
Welsh Government publishes Final Budget
20 January 2026
ColegauCymru Manifesto
Growth, Opportunity and Fairness
For further details about the Cross-Party Group on Further Education and Skills or to contact ColegauCymru regarding this work, please contact us.
Amy Williams, Policy Officer
Amy.Williams@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
