Coleg Harlech Workers' Educational Association (North Wales)
Coleg Harlech Workers' Educational Association (North Wales) was formed on 1 August 2001 by the merger of two of Wales’ oldest adult education bodies. The Workers’ Educational Association (North Wales) established in 1925 as the North Wales District of the Workers' Educational Association. Coleg Harlech was established in 1927 by Thomas Jones, Cabinet Secretary to both David Lloyd-George and Stanley Baldwin, to continue the work of WEA in a residential environment.
The merged Association has continued the common longstanding tradition of liberal arts adult education to enable adults to develop their capacity to learn and fulfil their potential, but has also continued to enlarge this by developing vocational education and training, including providing opportunities for socially and educationally disadvantaged adults both in residence at Harlech and in communities and workplaces across North and Mid Wales.
Full-time courses in Coleg Harlech include Music Technology, Multimedia, Social Studies with a pathway to Nursing, Art and Design. Students study for a University of Wales Foundation Certificate worth 120 credits, upon successful completion of their course students are able to progress to university if they choose.
Mission statement
To enable adults to enhance their life chances and employability by increasing their capacity for learning through the provision of high quality education in residential and community settings, with a due regard to the Welsh language and culture.
The Association is a registered charity with the Charity Commission (registration number 525785) and a company limited by guarantee (registered number 226336). It is a membership based organisation at £10 per annum. Students, former students, staff and other people wishing to support the Association are particularly encouraged to apply. There is a branch network across North Wales.
The main source of funding is the Welsh Assembly Government as a designated institution under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.