The author worked at the sharp end of the steel industry for 25 years having left school with a few O-levels at 16, feeling he had not done well. As an adult learner he re-discovered his academic ability and returned to learning with the Open University in 1977, emerging in 1982 with a 2:1 in Social Sciences. Leaving the steel industry, he took a post-graduate Diploma in Management Studies in 1983 that qualified him for 12 months unemployment. He entered the education sector in 1984 leading a project team producing learning materials for schools in Gwent and when this funding ceased he successfully applied for the "Replan Officer" post in the old West Glamorgan Authority. This was a three-year project, from 1986-1989, encouraging unemployed adults back into education and training, a social purpose he would enthusiastically undertake. In this article, the author reflects on 20 years of change, struggle, growth and partnership in adult education in west Wales as he prepares for retirement.