Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education
Adult Learners’ Week begins today with a clear and powerful message: Never Stop Learning. Across Wales, people are taking that brave step to grow their skills, discover hidden talents, and rebuild their confidence for the future.
This week represents far more than individual achievement. When one person learns, the benefits extend throughout families and entire communities, supporting children's education, creating employment opportunities, and boosting confidence in ways that are truly life changing. From digital skills helping grandparents stay connected to vocational training opening new career paths, learning transforms lives at every level.
Over the forthcoming academic year, this government, via Medr, will be investing more than £80m in part-time and adult learning opportunities. This funding supports a wide range of courses delivered by our local authorities and further education colleges, including adult basic skills, GCSEs, occupational qualifications, personal learning accounts, work experience, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Behind every pound invested are families who can look to the future with renewed hope and communities that stand stronger together. This investment represents practical, compassionate support that helps individuals stay on their feet, rebuild their confidence, and create better lives for themselves and their loved ones.
When workers at Tata Steel in Port Talbot faced uncertainty, we stepped up with decisive action. Through the Personal Learning Account programme, now taken forward by Medr, we have helped people reskill, adapt, and rebuild their futures. Over one thousand workers at Tata Steel UK and its supply chain have now completed well over a thousand courses – bringing new skills, opportunities and in many cases alternative employment when it was needed most. This programme exemplifies how the Welsh Government works alongside partners to support learners across Wales, opening doors to careers people might never have thought possible.
As announced in June, from this September, we’re increasing the Welsh Government Learning Grant for Further Education, offering even more support for full-time learners from low-income households — up to £1,916 — and for part-time learners, up to £950. This extra help covers essentials like books, equipment, and travel, making sure financial pressure is never the reason someone gives up on their dreams.
Our commitment also extends to international learning through the Taith programme, connecting Welsh learners with peers in Japan, Germany, Malta, Norway, and beyond. Organisations including Learning and Work Institute, Avant Cymru, Oasis Cardiff, St Giles Trust and Adult Learning Wales have delivered transformative projects that build skills, confidence, and cultural awareness. More importantly, 52% of adult learners participating in outward mobilities came from underrepresented groups, reinforcing our commitment to inclusion and lifelong learning for all.
During ministerial visits to every college and university across Wales this past year, the dedication of staff and determination of learners has been remarkable. In community classrooms and specialist support services, adult learners are working to change the course of their lives through education and building new futures for themselves and their families.
This week, thanks to the Learning and Work Institute, hundreds of free events are taking place in every corner of Wales — in our colleges, universities, libraries, and community halls. Each one sends a powerful message: learning is for everyone, and it is never a second chance — it's a first step to a brighter future.
This government will continue to back our learners, because every community in Wales deserves the chance to develop skills, find secure work, and live better lives — at every stage of their journey.
Whether you're looking to develop new skills, change careers, or simply explore something that interests you, there's an event waiting for you. Search Working Wales Adult Learners Week to discover what's happening in your area.