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Adult Learners Week: A Celebration of Learning

Now in its 20th year, Adult Learners' Week (ALW) is celebrated in over 55 countries across the world.

Founded and co-ordinated by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Adult Learners’ Week is the UK's largest learning campaign, and promotes education and training for adults, provides access to information and guidance, motivates more adults to participate in learning opportunities and celebrates the learning achievements of adult learners through national and regional awards and in Bedfordshire and Luton local awards are also celebrated.

It is a collaborative venture between education and training providers, broadcasters, and national and local government.

Held each May, Adult Learners' Week recognises the achievements of outstanding individuals, groups, families and projects through national and regional awards. During this week-long festival of learning, events take place in workplaces, libraries, cafes, prisons, museums and colleges across the country, inspiring adults to take up new activities.

From learning Pilates to gaining a PhD, Adult Learners’ Week celebrates learning and learners in all their diversity, inspiring thousands of people each year to try something new. The campaign promotes the benefits of all kinds of learning, whether it is for fun or leading to a qualification.

There are a variety of business benefits reported by employers who encourage staff to improve their skills. Research shows that adults engaged in learning activities are healthier, have increased confidence and are more motivated – often affecting productivity and overall staff morale.

Adult Learners’ Week provides employers and union learning representatives with an opportunity to promote the benefit of learning new skills for work and personal development.