Members of the Programme Design Team recently attended the Learning and Work Institute Conference, alongside partners from The Open University, to support and promote the Pathways project.
Representing ALS, Chelsea Maton and Becky Preece (consultant) attended alongside colleagues from the Open University, including Stacey Pring and Alice Tetstall, who supported delivery of the Pathways Project stand at the event.
The conference brought together organisations and professionals focused on strengthening adult learning and creating more accessible, inclusive pathways for learners.
A key highlight of the day was the learner panel, chaired by James Owen, Chief Executive of Medr. The panel featured Gina Powell (2025 Inspire! Learner Voice Award Winner), Kerrie Anne Watson (Carmarthenshire Adult Community Learning), Sharron Lusher (University of Wales Trinity Saint David) and Christopher Roberts (Bridgend College and Inspire! Tutor Award Winner 2026). Their contributions provided valuable insight into the impact of adult learning and the importance of learner voice.
Delegates also heard from Cefin Campbell MS, Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, who delivered a Ministerial Address highlighting the importance of skills and lifelong learning across Wales. Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of the Learning and Work Institute, explored the theme of ‘Adult Learning in Wales and Beyond: The Golden Thread, emphasising how learning connects individuals, communities and opportunities. Aoife Crawford from the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) also shared perspectives on supporting adult literacy in Ireland.
The event also provided opportunities to engage with organisations including Working Wales, Books Council of Wales and Serco, showcasing the breadth of support available to adult learners.
Reflecting on the conference, colleagues describe it as a valuable and insightful experience:
“Having joined the Pathways Project about 2 weeks ago, it was really enlightening to learn more about its potential impact and the opportunities it creates. Hearing from the learner panel was a real highlight, bringing to life the difference adult learning can make and the success it supports. It was also great to see the level of interest from others, and there’s a real opportunity for the project to continue growing and creating more opportunities for people across Wales.”
Chelsea Maton, Programme Design Administrator, ALS Training.
“It was a pleasure to meet practitioners and learners from across tertiary education at the Adult Learning Conference. The event offered a valuable opportunity to share and reflect on practice. We were pleased to showcase Pathways, a project that brings partners together across Rhondda Cynon Taf. The learner panel highlighted the need for clear, accessible, and flexible routes into learning, while Third Sector partners stressed the importance of offering choice and flexible learning which fits around people’s lives. These insights align with Pathways’ aim to co-design an impartial information, advice and guidance (IAG) model that helps people take their next steps into education, training, employment, or personal development.”
Stacey Pring, Partnership Manager, The Open University in Wales.
“The conference was extremely interesting, and it was great to meet people across the sector. Each practitioner was greatly aware of their own responsibility in improving opportunities for lifelong learning and it was inspiring to see. Each panel and workshop generated new ideas for progressing the Pathways project.”
Alice Tetstall, Project Officer, The Open University in Wales.