How much has the Welsh Government committed specifically to supporting education for those aged 50 or over in Wales over the last financial year?
Most Welsh Government-funded adult learning programmes are open to all and are not specific to any age group. Our funding approach recognises that learning provision must meet the varied and distinctive needs of all adult learners in Wales. Providers are autonomous bodies and will shape their learning offer to fit those demands.
We are investing over £6.2 million across adult community learning services this financial year (23-24) and £63.18 million in part time further education this academic year (23/24). We have funded £25,000 on a pilot programme in north Wales to support those over 50 to develop digital and employability skills. As part of our Plan for Employability and Skills we are working with a range of education and employment partners to address barriers that prevent older people from participating in the labour market. We are also supporting those aged 50 or over experiencing short term unemployment or recently made redundant through vocational training grants worth up to £1,500 per person via our ReAct+ programme which can help learners obtain sustainable employment.