THE Inspire! Adult Learning Awards are now open, inviting nominations to celebrate the people and projects transforming lives through learning across Wales. Coordinated by Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, the annual awards mark the nation’s biggest celebration of adult learning.

The Inspire! Awards honour exceptional learners and community projects that show how education strengthens Wales’ economy, supports better health and wellbeing, and enriches civic and cultural life.

From gaining qualifications to discovering new confidence or simply finding joy in learning, winners will demonstrate that the impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

There are ten categories to recognise achievement across Wales:

  • Skills for Work Award
  • Young Adult Learner Award
  • Life Change Award
  • Essential Skills for Life Award
  • Learning for Better Health Award
  • Ageing Well Award
  • New Welsh Speaker Award
  • Shared Futures Award
  • Hywel Francis Award for Community Impact
  • Learner Voice Award

Key information

  • Nominations Close: April 17, 2026
  • Who can be nominated: Anyone aged 16 or over living or working in Wales. Learning may take place in workplaces, colleges, universities, online, or community groups — whether formally accredited or not.
  • Who can nominate: Adult education providers, charities, employers, public sector bodies, trade unions, and community organisations.

Why nominate?

By nominating, you join a national campaign to promote lifelong learning and inspire more adults to participate. Sharing these stories demonstrates pathways into education and progression to new opportunities, encouraging others to take their own first steps.

Hamdi Abdalrhman, a former Inspire! Award winner, reflected:

“Winning the award strengthened my belief in lifelong learning. It motivates me to keep growing and pursue my dreams with renewed passion. I’m truly grateful for this honour and the support that made it possible.”

Kay Smith, Head of Campaigns, Development and Policy at Learning and Work Institute, said:

“The Inspire! Awards demonstrate how education empowers people and strengthens communities across Wales. Nominations will showcase how learners and projects have challenged expectations and created new futures — stories that inspire others to follow.”

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells said:“The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards are a chance to celebrate the fantastic achievements of adult learners, and I have seen firsthand how returning to learning can change lives.

“Previous finalists have been truly inspirational, and I encourage everyone who knows an adult learner or one of the fantastic adult learning projects in Wales to nominate them for an award.”

How to nominate

For full criteria and to submit a nomination, visit: https://www.learningandwork.wales/what-we-do/inspire-awards/inspire-awards/

Nominations are open now and close on April 17, 2026. Don’t miss the chance to shine a spotlight on Wales’ most inspiring learners and projects.