Everything from digital literacy and essential skills to cookery and calligraphy will be on offer across South Wales during Adult Learners’ Week, running from 21–27 September.
Hundreds of free online and in‑person courses, events and activities are available across Wales to help adults boost their career prospects, skills, confidence and wellbeing.
Adult learning providers and community organisations are supporting this year’s ‘Never Stop Learning’ campaign theme by helping people discover new opportunities.
Adults are being encouraged to explore learning that can spark new interests, refresh existing skills, improve health and wellbeing, support career progression, or provide tailored advice on funding and specialist pathways.
Adult Learners’ Week is co‑ordinated by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with Welsh Government, with support from The Open University in Wales, National Centre for Learning Welsh, ACT, Agored Cymru and Adult Learning Wales.
The week aims to make learning opportunities more accessible and inspire people to see how education can change lives. It offers a chance for adults of all ages to begin or resume their learning journey through new in‑person courses and online sessions at entry level.
A highlight of the week is the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, taking place at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff on 23 September. The awards celebrate individuals who have shown exceptional
commitment to lifelong learning.
Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute Director for Wales, highlighted that the courses are:
“Free and available to everyone, Adult Learners’ Week is a chance to inspire adults to take a first step into learning, celebrate learner achievements and make local opportunities easier to find,” “An event held during the week may be the spark that helps someone rediscover the joy of learning or boosts their confidence to try something new.
All activities are listed at https://adultlearnersweek.wales/ and promoted throughout September via Working Wales – https://workingwales.gov.wales/change-your-story/adult-learners-week .
Events and activities taking place across South Wales:
Cardiff & Vale College Family learning workshops across 72 primary schools and community settings in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Repair Care Wales Free beginners’ sewing workshop at the University of South Wales, Cardiff — 24 September, 5pm–7pm.
Finch Creative Wellbeing CIC Free sustainable crafting workshops at Lark Design Make, Cathays, and Mackintosh Sports Club, Roath.
Torfaen Adult Community Learning Introduction to astronomy taster session at Croesyceiliog Community Education Centre — 23 September, 7pm–9pm.
Aneurin Leisure A wide range of community events in Ebbw Vale and surrounding areas.
NPTC Group of Colleges Information events at Aberafan Shopping Centre (22 September) and Morrisons Neath (24 September), both 10am–2pm.
Brecon Beacons College Community open evening at Y Gaer, Watton Mount and The Coach House, Ship Street — 30 September, 5pm–7pm.
Coleg Sir Gâr & Coleg Ceredigion Free adult learning taster sessions at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli — 22 September (5.30pm–7pm) and 23 September (5pm–7pm).
Gower College Swansea Free taster sessions in art, crafts, digital skills, horticulture and essential qualifications throughout the week. Full details: gcs.ac.uk/courses/part-time/adult-learners-week-free-taster-sessions#courses
Bridgend College (Pencoed Campus) Adult Learners’ Fair — 22 September, 12pm–6pm.
Healthy Working Wales Free online Ready, Set, Thrive workshop for 16–24‑year‑olds starting work — 29 September, 10am–12pm.
Amgueddfa Cymru / Museum Wales A month‑long programme across seven museums, including Welsh and ESOL resources, mindful guides, 360° films, heritage trails and folklore booklets. Free one‑hour tours for blind and visually impaired visitors at the National Roman Museum, Caerleon — Wednesday and Friday.
Way Out West (WOW) Life‑saving CPR awareness sessions:
Milford Haven — 21 September, 1pm–3pm
Pembroke Dock — 27 September, 11am–1pm
