Learning from the past to shape the future Tuesday, March 22, 2011 - 17:34

For 90 years NIACE has provided a public space in civil society for everyone concerned with the education and training of adults, to share analysis, to innovate and to translate good practice across boundaries.

At a time of significant reforms to higher education, community-based learning, apprenticeships and general further education, Learning from the past to shape the future, gave participants the opportunity to assess longer-term policy agendas and to develop creative responses to new conditions.

Participants heard from adult learning practitioners in the UK and beyond, on how they have worked and continue to work, not only to transform the lives of learners and communities, but also to contribute to a range of social and economic dimensions of public policy. Speakers included:

• Sturla Bjerkaker, Secretary General, Norwegian Association for Adult Education - Thinking Globally about adult learning.

• Margaret Lloyd Jones, Chair of Federation of Wales Commitee/ Member of NFWI Board of Trustees - Acting locally for adult learning.

• Professor Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive Officer, NIACE - What lessons NIACE has learned over 90 years and what challenges lie ahead for adult learning.

• Brigadier David Wilson, Director Educational & Training Services (Army), HQ Land Force - The Army.

• Paul Head, Principal and Chief Executive, The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London - Colleges.

• Donald Cameron, Membership Development Officer, Learning and Organising Services, Unison - Workplace Learning.

Learning from the past to shape the future was be chaired by Bryn Davies, Principal, Ystrad Mynach College and Chair of NIACE Dysgu Cymru. Also addressing participants was Nick Stuart, Chair of the NIACE Company Board and Dr. Peter Lavender, Deputy Chief Executive, NIACE.