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 past 12 months, this government has invested more than
£50 million in adult learning opportunities. This includes £12
million in Personal Learning Accounts, providing those on lower
incomes with genuine opportunities to retrain, upskill, and
progress in their working lives. We have allocated £18 million to
community learning and a further £8 million to digital skills,
ensuring no one is left behind in our modern, changing economy.
Behind every pound invested are families who can look to the
future with renewed hope and communities that stand stronger
together. These investments represent 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.
