Supporting the Welsh Lifelong Learning System

Abstract

To assist the Welsh Government in balancing the productivity-related objectives with the societal objectives of lifelong learning, the Wales Centre for Public Policy was asked to conduct an evidence review into lifelong learning. This review aims to inform policy discussions and support the implementation of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Bill published on 1st November 2021 which renews the emphasis on lifelong learning in Wales through the establishment of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER). The report is structured around key areas of lifelong learning: the context in which it takes place; lifelong learning in visions and strategies; rights and entitlements to lifelong learning; the need to strike the balance between targeting and universal provision; barriers to learning; balancing the economic and social objectives; the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders and lifelong learning governance structures; effective forms of support for learning institutions; and comparing lifelong learning in Wales with other parts of the UK. The report concludes with a set of consolidated recommendations to the Welsh Government.

What could education, jobs and work look like across Wales by 2035?

“…The development of skills is considered a 'critical productivity driver' (Henley, 2021). However, in Wales, a high proportion of the population has low qualifications, with 66% of adults being under-skilled for their employment to some extent and 13.6% lacking a level 1 qualification and having poor essential skills (Pember et al, 2021).…”

“…• Supporting the Welsh Lifelong Learning System (Pember et al, 2021); • Developing skills for a just transition (Silva et al, 2022); and • Net zero skills: Insights and evidence from emissions sectors in Wales .…”