It’s time for Wales to acknowledge the transformative power of adult learning

Adult Learning Wales Chief Executive, Kathryn Robson, looks at how Wales can transform how we deliver education to adults, ensuring greater access and opportunities for all

Historically, adult education in Wales has faced numerous challenges, despite several government commitments to bolster participation. Data from StatsWales shows a dramatic decline in the number of part-time learners in further education (FE) institutions – down by 45% over the past decade. Similarly, local authority community learning has seen a 49% decrease in learner numbers over the same period.

This decline is particularly concerning for learners with the lowest qualifications, many of whom seek basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. The reduction in funding for part-time provision has exacerbated this issue, highlighting the need for a strategic overhaul to better support adult learners.

There is widespread agreement that poverty and poor educational outcomes are related but there are competing explanations as to why this should be. We know that people with higher qualifications are less at risk of being trapped in poverty. In fact, having no qualifications at all doubles working-age adults’ risk of experiencing very deep poverty. Education is fundamental to the route out of poverty, and adult learning is key to tackling social disadvantage.

The role of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research

The creation of CTER brings a new statutory duty to promote lifelong learning, aligning with the Welsh Government ambition to make Wales a “Second Chance Nation.” This provides a framework for consistent and durable action in adult education. The Commission offers us a fresh opportunity to focus on several key areas to enhance Wales’ adult learning offer:

1. Flexible Learning and Maximising Participation – Reviewing the planning and organisation of adult education to enhance flexibility and boost participation rates while balancing social and economic benefits.
2. Basic Skills Acquisition – Developing a comprehensive plan to improve basic skills across the adult population.
3. Data – Ensuring accurate, relevant, and timely data collection to better understand learner outcomes and improve educational provision.
4. Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning – Exploring and addressing barriers to enabling credit transfer across the tertiary system to better facilitate learner progression.

Opportunities and challenges

ColegauCymru is the organisation which represents further education colleges in Wales, and has recently established an Adult Education Working Group. As Chair I will be driving a more collaborative and strategic approach to adult learning, bringing together expertise from across the sector to inform both Welsh Government’s priorities and CTER’s work going forward.

Looking ahead – a culture of lifelong learning

In the pursuit of a more equal Wales, the role of adult education and community-based learning emerges as a linchpin in dismantling barriers, promoting inclusivity, and fostering social value.

Despite the decline in participation and funding challenges, the current shifting of the education landscape offers a unique opportunity to reimagine adult education in Wales. By leveraging the strategic focus of CTER and the collaborative efforts of the Adult Education Working Group, Wales can foster a culture of lifelong learning that adapts to the needs of its adult population.

Key policy drivers and milestones, such as the commitment to achieving 75% of the working-age population with at least a Level 3 qualification by 2050 and increasing the number of Welsh speakers, provide additional impetus for action. Moreover, ongoing policy reviews, including the Net Zero Skills plan and the Adult Learning Policy review, will shape the future landscape of adult education.

It is time for Wales to acknowledge the transformative power of adult learning – its role in tackling poverty and inequality, and contributing to overall well-being and a sense of purpose. Wales has an opportunity now to create a robust system that offers greater opportunities for lifelong learning, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and skilled society in Wales – for today’s and future generations.

Kathryn Robson is Chief Executive of Adult Learning Wales