Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership
The Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) is a long‑standing Welsh Government programme delivered in partnership with TUC Cymru and trade unions across Wales. Its core purpose is to widen access to workplace learning, particularly for workers who are least likely to engage in training, while raising skills, employability and confidence across the workforce.
WULF supports union‑led learning that responds to current and future skills needs, promotes fair work and social partnership, and enables workers to progress into further learning and career development. The programme also plays an important role in removing barriers to learning, advancing equality and inclusion, and fostering constructive partnership between employers, trade unions and workers.
In 2025, TUC Cymru undertook an independent evaluation of learners who participated in a WULF funded session between April 2023 and March 2024. Over 800 learners responded to the survey, providing an evidence base on outcomes and experiences.
The findings show that WULF is successfully reaching a broad range of people in employment. Twenty‑three per cent (23%) of learners reported a disability, 26% identified as carers, and 36% had childcare responsibilities – all higher than national averages. In addition, 9% of respondents were from minority ethnic backgrounds, indicating that WULF is contributing to greater inclusion in adult learning.
The survey results indicate the programme is particularly effective in engaging older workers, with over half of learners aged between 45 and 59. This is significant given wider evidence that participation in adult learning typically declines with age. Based on these results, WULF is successfully engaging those most likely to face barriers to training.
Learner feedback on the quality and relevance of training is highly positive. Sixty‑eight per cent (68%) found the training “very useful”, and 96% said they would recommend learning to others. Importantly, more than half of respondents said they would not have undertaken any training without WULF support, underlining its role in creating new learning opportunities.
The survey indicates an impact on confidence and skills which is particularly strong. Ninety per cent (90%) of learners reported increased self‑confidence, alongside improvements in motivation, communication skills and their ability to support others at work and in the wider community. Among those undertaking longer courses, 85% felt better able to support colleagues, with clear evidence of improved work performance.
Responses highlighted that WULF also supports career progression and economic benefits. Fourteen per cent of learners secured a new job role following their training, with most of these also receiving a pay increase. Almost half reported that the learning increased their likelihood of staying with their current employer, supporting workforce retention and stability.
Survey results also showed that WULF is also effective in fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Seventy‑eight per cent (78%) of learners had already progressed to further learning or expected to do so within 12 months, while 87% said WULF had encouraged them to continue learning to some or a great extent. This suggests enduring impact beyond the initial intervention.
The Welsh Government is proud of its work alongside TUC Cymru and individual trade unions in delivering learning and training that has transformed lives inside and outside of the workplace.