Welsh Government Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams AM, has celebrated the fact Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales is playing a key role in developing youth workers across Wales and empowering individuals to put their new professional learning back into their own communities, which are some of the most deprived in Wales.

The Minister visited Cardiff Metropolitan University to witness how Wales’ National Community College, Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales, in partnership with the university, is giving adult students the chance to gain qualifications that get them on the ladder to working with young people across Wales, many of whom will put their skills to use within their own communities, for the betterment of that community.

During the visit, students showcased learning undertaken as part of an Award in Youth Work Practice Level 2, the minimum requirement for learners to qualify on the youth work coherent qualification route, and as part of a Certificate in Youth Work Practice Level 3. Together, these produce the Youth Support Worker qualification endorsed by Education Training Standards Wales, recognised in Wales and England as the minimum requirement for youth support work.

The training that has been developed by Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales, the only provider to deliver courses and qualifications across Wales, is in line with supporting the Welsh Government commitment to explore how a Welsh right to lifelong learning can be delivered. This aim was announced in a statement in July this year as part of the Government’s response to restructuring community-based adult learning in Wales.

Commenting on the visit of the Education Minister, Kathryn Robson, Chief Executive of Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales said:

“We are delighted the Minister took time out of her hectic schedule to see for herself the work that is going on across Wales to empower adult learners to gain qualifications to then use in their communities. We have had a fantastic response to the courses and qualifications that are available in Youth Work and we are proud of the fact we provide consistent provision across Wales and a strong partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University which is aiding the Welsh Government fulfil its aspirations to support adult learners. We look forward to updating the Minister on this programme and our wider successes in the future.”

Of the visit, Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams said:

“I was really pleased to visit Cardiff Metropolitan University with Keith Towler, Chair of the Interim Youth Work Board to see the student’s hard work and the training Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales are providing.

“Lifelong learning is one of mine and the First Minister’s top priorities for education, as agreed in our Progressive Agreement. We want Wales to be a country where all young people can thrive and have access to opportunities and experiences through the medium of English and Welsh.

“Without organisations such as Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales we wouldn’t be able to secure our vision of ensuring that qualifications and training meet both the needs of the employers and young people who are using these vital services.”

Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales is a lead provider in delivering youth support worker qualifications across Wales and in 2018-19 trained over 400 youth workers from Ynys Môn to Newport, from Wrexham to Ceredigion.

It provides learners with the opportunity to gain qualifications that lead to employment, higher education progression, as well as building the capacity of local communities to provide much needed support to children, youth and families.

Its courses are delivered in local community venues and in partnership with leading higher education providers including Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of South Wales, Newport, University of Wales, Trinity Saint David’s, and Wrexham Glyndwr University.