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.
