Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones champions lifelong learning as ambassador for Adult Learners’ Week 2025

The week, which takes place from 15th to 21st September, is run by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, and features free courses, events, and taster sessions across Wales.

Last year more than 6,000 people took part in learning at over 600 events held during September, from learning coding and digital skills to playing the ukelele, improving numeracy skills or mastering macrame.

Renowned for his record-breaking rugby career with Wales and the British and Irish Lions, Alun Wyn is also a passionate advocate for education. Alongside his sporting achievements, he holds a law degree from Swansea University and is also learning Welsh. His commitment to personal development earned him an honorary degree from Swansea University, recognising his career achievements both on and off the field.

To mark the launch, he took part in a carpentry adult learning course at Gower College, Swansea, joining fellow learners to highlight the transformative power of education at any stage of life.

Speaking at the launch, Alun Wyn said:

“Learning has always been part of my journey, whether on the pitch, or in the classroom. Qualifying as a solicitor while playing professional rugby was a challenge, but it taught me the value of discipline, curiosity, and resilience.

“Learning Welsh as an adult is another milestone that’s helping me connect more deeply with my heritage and community and I’m proud of the effort I’m putting into studying and practicing it.

“I’m constantly inspired by people who start or continue learning, whether it’s to change careers, gain confidence, or simply explore something new.”

Adult Learners’ Week is Wales’ largest celebration of lifelong learning, aiming to connect people to take the first step towards building new skills and boosting confidence. The campaign encourages more adults to discover a wide range of learning opportunities, to explore their options and try something new whatever their age and stage of life.

Courses are available both online and in-person, running in communities and workplaces across Wales through colleges, universities, museums, libraries, training providers, and community centres.

People living in Wales can take part in Adult Learners’ Week, with many courses available for free or at a reduced cost.  Opportunities can be explored through the Adult Learners’ Week website or by visiting Working Wales, where people can also access personalised advice on learning pathways, financial support, and career guidance.

Wales Rugby Legend Alun Wyn Jones attending a carpentry masterclass on the Gower College Swansea’s Adult Learning course held at Jubilee Court with carpentry lecturer David John.Commissioned by Gower College SwanseaCopyright © 2025 by Adrian White via http://www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk

Joshua Miles, Learning and Work Institute Wales Director, added:

“Alun Wyn Jones embodies the spirit of lifelong learning. His story is a powerful reminder that learning doesn’t stop when formal education ends. We’re thrilled to have him as our ambassador this year, helping us inspire thousands of adults across Wales to take that first step back into learning or continue on their learning journey.

“Every year, we hear incredible stories from people who’ve transformed their lives through adult education – from gaining new qualifications and finding employment, to building confidence and reconnecting with their communities. Adult Learners’ Week is about celebrating those journeys and making sure everyone knows that learning is for them, no matter their age, background, or starting point.

“Throughout September there will be taster sessions, workshops, webinars, and open days, making it easy for people to try something new.

“From beginner-level to advanced qualifications, the courses are inclusive and accessible to everyone in Wales who wants to learn something new.”

The campaign is part of a broader Welsh Government commitment to skills development and inclusive education.

Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, praised the initiative:

“Adult Learners’ Week is about unlocking potential, no matter your age or background or previous experience. It’s about giving people the tools to thrive and inspiring them to never stop learning.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to take a change of direction and renew their career at whatever stage of life they are at. I’ve recently had the opportunity myself to study counselling. The experience has reminded me of the power of lifelong learning.”

For more information on free Welsh taster courses and to get involved in other learning opportunities, search ‘Working Wales Adult Learners’ Week’.

[Lead image: Adrian White]

#AdultLearnersWeek #AlunWynJones #GowerCollegeSwansea #SwanseaUniversity

Rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones champions lifelong learning as ambassador for Adult Learners’ Week 2025

The week, which takes place from 15th to 21st September, is run by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, and features free courses, events, and taster sessions across Wales.

Last year more than 6,000 people took part in learning at over 600 events held during September, from learning coding and digital skills to playing the ukelele, improving numeracy skills or mastering macrame.

Renowned for his record-breaking rugby career with Wales and the British and Irish Lions, Alun Wyn is also a passionate advocate for education. Alongside his sporting achievements, he holds a law degree from Swansea University and is also learning Welsh. His commitment to personal development earned him an honorary degree from Swansea University, recognising his career achievements both on and off the field.

To mark the launch, he took part in a carpentry adult learning course at Gower College, Swansea, joining fellow learners to highlight the transformative power of education at any stage of life.

Speaking at the launch, Alun Wyn said:

“Learning has always been part of my journey, whether on the pitch, or in the classroom. Qualifying as a solicitor while playing professional rugby was a challenge, but it taught me the value of discipline, curiosity, and resilience.

“Learning Welsh as an adult is another milestone that’s helping me connect more deeply with my heritage and community and I’m proud of the effort I’m putting into studying and practicing it.

“I’m constantly inspired by people who start or continue learning, whether it’s to change careers, gain confidence, or simply explore something new.”

Adult Learners’ Week is Wales’ largest celebration of lifelong learning, aiming to connect people to take the first step towards building new skills and boosting confidence. The campaign encourages more adults to discover a wide range of learning opportunities, to explore their options and try something new whatever their age and stage of life.

Courses are available both online and in-person, running in communities and workplaces across Wales through colleges, universities, museums, libraries, training providers, and community centres.

People living in Wales can take part in Adult Learners’ Week, with many courses available for free or at a reduced cost.  Opportunities can be explored through the Adult Learners’ Week website or by visiting Working Wales, where people can also access personalised advice on learning pathways, financial support, and career guidance.

Wales Rugby Legend Alun Wyn Jones attending a carpentry masterclass on the Gower College Swansea’s Adult Learning course held at Jubilee Court with carpentry lecturer David John.Commissioned by Gower College SwanseaCopyright © 2025 by Adrian White via http://www.adrianwhitephotography.co.uk

Joshua Miles, Learning and Work Institute Wales Director, added:

“Alun Wyn Jones embodies the spirit of lifelong learning. His story is a powerful reminder that learning doesn’t stop when formal education ends. We’re thrilled to have him as our ambassador this year, helping us inspire thousands of adults across Wales to take that first step back into learning or continue on their learning journey.

“Every year, we hear incredible stories from people who’ve transformed their lives through adult education – from gaining new qualifications and finding employment, to building confidence and reconnecting with their communities. Adult Learners’ Week is about celebrating those journeys and making sure everyone knows that learning is for them, no matter their age, background, or starting point.

“Throughout September there will be taster sessions, workshops, webinars, and open days, making it easy for people to try something new.

“From beginner-level to advanced qualifications, the courses are inclusive and accessible to everyone in Wales who wants to learn something new.”

The campaign is part of a broader Welsh Government commitment to skills development and inclusive education.

Lynne Neagle, Cabinet Secretary for Education, praised the initiative:

“Adult Learners’ Week is about unlocking potential, no matter your age or background or previous experience. It’s about giving people the tools to thrive and inspiring them to never stop learning.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to take a change of direction and renew their career at whatever stage of life they are at. I’ve recently had the opportunity myself to study counselling. The experience has reminded me of the power of lifelong learning.”

For more information on free Welsh taster courses and to get involved in other learning opportunities, search ‘Working Wales Adult Learners’ Week’.

[Lead image: Adrian White]

#AdultLearnersWeek #AlunWynJones #GowerCollegeSwansea #SwanseaUniversity

Award‑winning learner Foo Seng inspires others to embrace Welsh

Foo Seng Thean, 47, moved to the city with his family in 2015. Although fluent in English, he soon realised he couldn’t read local signage or join in everyday conversations in the language of his new home. Determined to change that, he began learning Welsh alongside his two sons.

“There’s an old saying — to prosper in a new place you must embrace its traditions and way of life,” he said. “That’s exactly what I’m doing. We sing together, share our learning, and even have a Welsh day at home. My niece in Singapore calls me her Welsh uncle!”

Foo Seng’s commitment has earned him the New Welsh Speaker Award at this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, which will be presented at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall on 18 September. The awards, part of Adult Learners’ Week (15–21 September), celebrate people who have transformed their lives through learning.

His journey began while working at the Chinese in Wales Association’s Multi‑Cultural Hub, when he joined a Welsh in the Workplace course run by Swansea University’s Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Area. Since then, he has immersed himself in Welsh culture — joining the Welsh Learners Choir, performing at the 2024 National Eisteddfod, and promoting the language in the charity’s tri‑lingual communications.

Foo Seng Thean

Tutor Emyr Jones, who leads the choir, said: “He seized the opportunity to learn Welsh and was enthusiastic from the very start, both in class and through extra learning on his own.”

Foo Seng hopes his story will encourage more people from ethnic minority backgrounds to embrace the language. “I’ve been blown away by its beauty,” he said.

Adult Learners’ Week offers taster courses, online sessions and advice for anyone in Wales looking to start or return to learning. More information is available at adultlearnersweek.wales or via Working Wales on 0800 028 4844.

#AdultLearnersWeek #ChineseInWales #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity #WelshLanguage #WelshLearners

‘Rise up and show up’: Carmarthen student’s courage earns top learning award

When Mandy Price says her motto is “Rise up and show up”, she means it.

The 49‑year‑old from Carmarthen has faced more than her share of challenges — including spending five weeks in hospital after a series of clustered epileptic seizures. Yet just a day after being taken off a ventilator, she was in intensive care, laptop open, finishing a university presentation.

Two days after leaving hospital, she was back at her lectures at Coleg Sir Gâr in Carmarthen, working towards her BSc in Animal Welfare and Behaviour.

Balancing study, care and community

Alongside her studies, Mandy cares for her partner and son, who has complex needs. She also volunteers as a Burns by Your Side reading mentor, helping children build confidence with the support of her learning assistance dog, Daisy.

Her determination has now been recognised with the Learning for Better Health Award at this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards. The ceremony will take place at Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall on 18 September, as part of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales.

Mandy Price

From rescue centre to degree course

Mandy’s passion for animal welfare began after joining a support group and volunteering at Many Tears Animal Rescue. There, equestrian yard manager Katy Kear encouraged her to pursue formal study.

Despite doubting her academic ability, Mandy completed a Foundation Degree in Animal Science before progressing to her current BSc course. She even spent time in Greece working on a Loggerhead Sea Turtle Conservation Research Project — returning home just before her third hospital stay.

‘Education has transformed my life’

“I am determined not to let my epilepsy define me,” Mandy said. “Without the degree course, I really don’t know what path my mental and physical health would have taken.”

Her lecturer and award nominator, Stephanie Rees, described her as “a source of empowerment, enabling her to harness her strengths and channel her passion into meaningful endeavours.”

Looking ahead

Mandy plans to continue her studies with a Master’s in Children and Young People’s Mental Health, alongside training to deliver pet first aid courses — with the aim of securing a role that combines her skills and passions.

Celebrating lifelong learning

Adult Learners’ Week runs from 15–21 September, with in‑person taster courses, online sessions and advice available across Wales. The awards, co‑ordinated by Learning and Work Institute with Welsh Government support, celebrate people who have embraced learning to change their lives and communities.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said: “Adult Learners’ Week is a chance to celebrate the achievements of learners and to inspire people to discover how learning can positively change their lives.”

#AdultLearnersWeek #Carmarthen #ColegSirGâr #education #ManyTearsAnimalRescue