INSPIRE! ADULT LEARNING AWARD WINNERS

Meet our 2023 Inspire! Adult Learning Award winners

The Inspire! Awards are an annual celebration that recognises the life changing achievements of people, projects, and adult learning provision in Wales.

Browse through this year’s award winner stories to find out more about the steps they took to build their confidence, take a second chance, and change their story through education and skills.

Starting Out - Welsh Beginner Award Winner

Steven Wright

Nominated by: Learn Welsh Glamorgan Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales and National Centre for Learning Welsh Steven Wright moved from Australia to Wales,…

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Learning for Better Health Award Winner

Rachel Parker

Nominated by: Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales | Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales Rachel…

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Workplace Change Makers Award Winner

Powys Teaching Health Board

Nominated by: The Open University in Wales Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales Powys Teaching Health Board had previously struggled to recruit and retain…

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Life Change and Progression Award Winner

Elinor Ridout

Nominated by: Cardiff University Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales | Agored Cymru Elinor’s second child, Will, passed away suddenly when he was 13…

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Skills for Work Award Winner

Emma Howells

Nominated by: PRP Training Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales Emma Howells was running her own upcycling and upholstery business. when the first national…

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Hywel Francis Award for Community Impact Winner

Families Learning Together CAVC

Nominated by: Cardiff and Vale College Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales The Families Learning Together programme at Cardiff and Vale College delivers a…

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Essential Skills for Life Award Winner

Vale People First Men’s Group

Nominated by: Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales Formed in 2012, Vale People First Men’s Group offers…

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Different Past Shared Futures Award Winner

Walid Musa Albuqai

Nominated by: Gower College Swansea Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales Walid Musa Albuqai grew up in Syria but was forced to flee the…

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Lifetime Achievement Award Winner

John Gates

Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales John Gates, 82, lives in Maesteg and comes from a family of miners. He started working at Coegnant…

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Ageing Well Award Winner

Jan Wallace

Nominated by: Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales Sponsored by: The Open University in Wales At the age of 81, Jan Wallace, keeps herself…

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Learning Centre

Closing the Gap Award

Priory Learning Centre

The Priory Learning Centre, based in Monkton Primary school in Pembrokeshire, recognises the needs of families from the local Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and…

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Download a copy of the 2023 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards profile book.

Find out more about the awards by visiting the Learning and Work Institute website

WORKING WALES

Learn new skills and start your next chapter

Whatever your situation, if you’re passionate about learning a new skill, we’ll help you explore your options with free, impartial advice on the training programmes that can help you change your story.

Working Wales

Working Wales is for anyone over the age of 16 across Wales to access expert advice and guidance to help you overcome obstacles that you may be facing to get you into work.

So, whether you need help searching for jobs, writing a CV, preparing for an interview, finding work placement, learning new skills, understanding redundancy rights, childcare support, building self-confidence, or even where to turn next this is the right place to get the help you need.