Education and Opportunities for a Changing Wales

Darren Howells, Chief Executive of Agored Cymru, shares his views on how lifelong learning can support a changing Wales.

Traditionally Autumn signals the start of the academic year and for many is the start of a new educational journey. For those of school age it could be moving into a new class or from primary to secondary school. For those who have achieved formal qualifications it could mean progression into Further Education, University, an Apprenticeship or into the world of work.

The new national curriculum for schools in Wales has been launched for delivery from September 2022 with the aim of embracing the current and future changes and demands of the world of work, technology and society. The key objectives are to prepare young people to

• attain higher standards of literacy and numeracy,
• become digitally and bilingually competent
• be responsible, compassionate and capable citizens of Wales and the World

The need for lifelong learning

Whilst formal academic qualifications are seen as being a vital foundation from which to build, the need for lifelong learning is more relevant today than it has ever been. As adults, many of us have a natural desire to learn for adapting to change and enriching and fulfilling our lives but everyone has different objectives for learning.

For some it maybe to improve their chances of employment, as a progression route to higher education, to provide new skills following redundancy or a career break or simply for pleasure. For others it could be to gain basic skills to enrich their and their family’s lives or a route out of poverty.

It could be argued that the world is changing around us at such a frantic pace if we do not continue to grow and develop we will be left behind. We all need to be lifelong learners. We need to keep our current skills sharp and up to date and gain new skills and knowledge to support all areas of society. Jobs for life are a thing of the past and new roles are being created that did not exist even 5 years ago. New vocational qualifications are continually being developed to support existing and new sectors and
the changing roles within.

The pace of change and the quality of the opportunities to support Adult Education in Wales far exceeds that of other nations and we are often seen as a benchmark for others to aspire to. We cannot afford to be complacent as 10% of adults in Wales do not possess basic literacy skills and 14% do
not possess basic numeracy skills.

Welsh Government recently announced an additional £2m of funding to support lifelong learning in the adult sector.

These funds will be used by all stakeholders in the sector to support individuals and communities improve lives and opportunities.

With basic education, individuals who through circumstance, opportunity or history learn more about how to care for themselves and their families, which in turn leads their children towards healthier lifestyles. Health education gives families a higher chance of survival and even reduces rates of serious illness.

We have a joint responsibility to support and encourage education at all levels, but it is not always about a “piece of paper”.

We all have heard younger learners who proclaim “their life is over” if they do not achieve their desired grades to follow their progression routes of choice. Whilst this can feel like the case at the time, the number of available opportunities and alternative routes are higher now than ever.

Learning at any stage has to be encouraged and Lifelong Learning is just the start!