Learning Exchange Sparks New Conversations on the Future of Adult Learning in Dundee
On Friday 29 May, colleagues and partners from across Dundee’s education, skills and community learning sectors came together at Dundee & Angus College’s Gardyne Campus for the Dundee Adult Learning Partnership Learning Exchange event.
Learning Exchange Sparks New Conversations on the Future of Adult Learning in Dundee
On Friday 29 May, colleagues and partners from across Dundee’s education, skills and community learning sectors came together at Dundee & Angus College’s Gardyne Campus for the Dundee Adult Learning Partnership Learning Exchange event.
Hosted on behalf of Dundee City Council, Dundee & Angus College and Skills Development Scotland, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on learning from a recent Scottish Education Exchange Programme visit to Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in Ireland, while exploring how these insights can help shape the future of adult learning in Dundee.
The event brought together representatives from local and national organisations with a shared commitment to improving opportunities and outcomes for adult learners. Through a series of presentations, discussions and networking opportunities, attendees examined innovative approaches to adult learning, guidance services and community education observed during the visit to Ireland.
A key focus of the session was understanding how successful elements of the Irish model could be adapted to support Dundee’s post-16 learning landscape. Participants explored themes including learner progression, community-based provision, partnership working and the role of guidance in helping individuals access and navigate learning opportunities throughout their lives.
Jane Roscoe, Director of Curriculum and Partnerships at Dundee and Angus College, who presented during the event, said:
'There was a real sense in the room that we already have strong foundations in Dundee but also a shared determination to go further, to connect what we do, and to design an adult learning system that truly works for the people of Dundee and beyond.'
Alongside reflections from the exchange visit, the event also showcased examples of innovation already taking place across Dundee. Partners highlighted collaborative initiatives that are helping learners develop skills, build confidence and progress through accessible, high-quality learning opportunities within their communities.
The Learning Exchange created valuable space for discussion and reflection, encouraging participants to consider how existing partnerships can be strengthened and where new opportunities for collaboration may emerge. Conversations throughout the day reinforced the importance of a connected, learner-centred approach to adult learning, ensuring that services work together effectively to meet the needs of individuals and communities.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing attendees to continue conversations, share experiences and identify areas for future partnership working.
As Dundee continues to develop its adult learning offer, the insights gained through both the international exchange and local collaboration will help inform future priorities and support ongoing efforts to create inclusive, accessible pathways for learners across the city.
Kirsty Forrester, CLD Manager Adult Learning, said:
‘Community learning plays a critical role in supporting those furthest from education to take their first steps into learning. Our discussions today made it clear that coordination alone is not enough if we want to reduce fragmentation and design a post-16 system that truly places the learner at the centre - real change depends on a shared vision, aligned practice, and genuine partnership working. Today’s event showed the collective will to make that happen in Dundee.’
