This week is Adult Learners’ Week - an annual campaign that highlights the value of lifelong learning, makes learning and skills opportunities more accessible, celebrates achievements, and inspires people to discover how learning can transform lives.
The benefits of lifelong learning are varied and many - from providing a sense of wellbeing, purpose, and achievement, to addressing social issues such as loneliness and isolation. These benefits in turn provide communities with the tools to thrive.
ColegauCymru Chief Executive, David Hagendyk, said,
“We are delighted to once again be supporting Adult Learners’ Week. In today’s world, having a skilled workforce is more important than ever. Adult learning and upskilling play a huge role in strengthening the Welsh economy and our communities, especially during challenging times. Lifelong learning isn’t just a nice to have - it’s a key part of building a stronger, fairer Wales. It is time to tackle intergenerational inequality and poverty through adult education and access to second chance learning”.
Senedd 2026
Looking ahead to the election in May 2026, we have an opportunity to put adult learning back in the spotlight. That means more chances for part-time study, flexible courses, and support for people who want to reskill, upskill, or simply learn something new. It’s also a chance to tackle the shortage of basic skills head-on.
To ensure that adult learning can continue to help communities thrive in Wales, ColegauCymru is calling on the next Welsh Government, working with Medr, to:
1. Commit to deliver a new entitlement to lifelong learning for every adult in Wales.
2. Invest in rolling out Recognition of Prior Learning to support adults with the fewest qualifications to gain recognition for the skills they have.
3. Recognise the opportunities and challenges from the development of AI.
By equipping individuals with essential skills, fostering confidence, and providing crucial support networks, adult learning programmes are not only empowering individuals and families but also contributing to a more skilled workforce, a stronger local economy, and a more equitable and sustainable future for all communities in Wales.
Further Information
Adult Learners’ Week - Never Stop Learning
15 - 21 September 2025
Amy Williams, Policy Officer
Amy.Williams@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
