A campaign aimed at encouraging people of all ages to improve their lives through learning is being launched this week by the minister for education and lifelong learning, Jane Davidson.

The campaign was launched at the start of the new school term, when people of all ages will be signing up for hundreds of different courses at community centres, colleges and schools.

Over the coming weeks it is hoped that thousands of people will Sign Up Now for courses to learn new skills in order to improve their job prospects, achieve a qualification or just for the fun of learning.

The campaign will tell people about the benefits of learning and how to get involved at this crucial time of year when individuals, businesses and entire communities across Wales can make that vital move into lifelong learning.

Ms Davidson said: 'Acquiring knowledge and developing skills are the keys to a successful future by enabling everyone to achieve their full potential.

Successful learning engenders greater self- esteem - which in turn gives individuals the confidence to widen their horizons, take on further challenges and achieve further success.

'We want to see all our people - even those who have not undertaken formal learning for many years becoming engaged or re-engaged in education or training.'

Spearheaded through a partnership of ELWa - Education and Learning Wales, NIACE Dysgu Cymru, the adult learning body, Careers Wales, the learndirect helpline and learning providers, Sign Up Now will be conducted through an intensive promotion of the learning message in newspapers, television, radio and the Internet.

There will also be events going on across Wales in colleges and higher education institutions to give people more information about what opportunities are on offer.

Someone who already knows how learning can change your life for the better is Jodi Pett, aged 18, of Abertillery.

Working at Vector Technology in her home town, Jodi has successfully completed NVQ Level 2 in administration and has signed up for another course this year in accounting.

She said: 'This way I am earning money, gaining qualifications and getting some excellent work experience under my belt,and my employers support me because they know it is good for me and their business.' Roy Grant, from Duffryn, Newport, is also enjoying life through learning.

Mr Grant was unable to play a full role in the community group he had joined, as he was unable to read or write, but he signed up to a Basic Skills course run though Newport Community Education Centre, and the rest is history.

He said: 'The local children needed a new centre and because I had never done well at school, I was unable to write a report for a petition for the centre, but I was determined not to let a bad previous experience of learning put me off.'

National Council ELWa chairwoman Enid Rowlands highlighted the wide range of courses being offered by schools, colleges, universities and training providers throughout Wales, and urged all members of the community to consider some sort of new learning activity.

She said: 'Our success as a nation depends on our willingness to become a learning country. 'We therefore need to encourage prospective learners of all ages throughout Wales to take up the opportunities available to them.

'With this in mind I wholeheartedly support this campaign and urge learners throughout Wales to Sign Up Now.