WHATEVER your age and background, you are never too old to learn new skills or enjoy a fresh challenge and meet like-minded friends with a shared interest.

Learning is something that takes place throughout our entire lives, not just while we’re at school or in a formal setting. It can be fun and exciting – and can involve all sorts of skills.

This week’s Adult Learning Week, sponsored by Niace Dysgu Cymru and the European Social Fund, is full of opportunities to have a taster of classes held locally that range from vocational to creative to academic.

Across Wales, there are hundreds of classes for all ages, talents and interests – and even if something might not be your cup of tea, you might know somebody who would like a guitar lesson, to practise flower arranging, learn plumbing skills or take their first steps on an academic route back into education.

Also on offer, are opportunities to learn or improve your Welsh skills and modern foreign languages from across Europe and the world.

By learning and sharing new skills, our communities – and Wales – can begin to reach their full potential as a small, clever country. Try something new this week!

Jill Evans MEP Plaid Cymru