The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards have officially opened nominations, celebrating individuals and projects that are transforming lives through education across Wales. Coordinated by the Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Welsh Government, these annual awards represent the country’s foremost celebration of adult learning.
Recognizing Achievement in Adult Education
The Inspire! Awards aim to honor exceptional learners and community initiatives that illustrate how education contributes to a stronger economy, improved health and wellbeing, and enhanced civic and cultural life in Wales. Winners will showcase stories of personal growth, from achieving qualifications to discovering newfound confidence, highlighting the far-reaching impact of education beyond the classroom.
This year, the awards feature ten categories designed to recognize outstanding achievements across Wales. By nominating deserving individuals or projects, participants contribute to a national campaign that promotes lifelong learning and encourages adult participation in educational opportunities. The stories shared will serve as pathways into education, motivating others to take their first steps toward personal and professional development.
Voices of Inspiration
Hamdi Abdalrhman, a former recipient of the Inspire! Award, remarked on the significance of the recognition: “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 the Learning and Work Institute, emphasized the awards’ role in showcasing the transformative power of education: “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.”
Welcoming the initiative, Vikki Howells, Minister for Further and Higher Education, noted, “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.”
Nominations for the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards are open now and will close on April 17, 2026. For full criteria and to submit a nomination, interested individuals can visit the official website: Learning and Work Institute. This is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Wales’ most inspiring learners and projects.
