Lifelong Learning Index 2008

Welcome to the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index – an annual survey of behaviours and attitudes in adult education and training.

This year, for the first time, the Index was a joint project carried out by Learning Ireland and Aontas, the National Adult Learning Association. Their input was extremely valuable in making the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index as effective as possible in gleaning relevant information.

The Index captures the mood of learners at an especially difficult time for the economy and society in general. Upskilling and training have been well-highlighted issues for some years now, but the ongoing loss of jobs has added an even greater importance to raising the skill levels of Ireland’s workforce. The Index reveals fascinating findings on extremely topical issues such as financial support for adult learners and access to lifelong learning.

Aside from economic considerations however, the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index also seeks to measure the degree to which adult education enables participants to achieve their personal goals and contribute to society.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who completed our survey. It goes without saying that compiling the Lifelong Learning Index would not be possible without your valued contribution.

Best Wishes
Kevin Branigan – Managing Director of Learning Ireland
kevin@learningireland.ie

Click here to view the survey results

About the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index

Learning Ireland and Aontas, the National Adult Learning Association compiled the Index.

The Index is an online survey that appeared on the following websites: www.nightcourses.com, www.aontas.com, www.postgrad.ie, www.corporatetraining.ie, and www.learningpoint.ie.

A total of 1,512 visitors to these sites completed the survey.

Summary of Key Findings

• 77% of respondents have taken part in a part time adult education or training course, and the same number intend to enrol in a programme over the course of the next 12 months
• Finance is the most common source of difficulty for people looking to enrol in adult education, with 33% citing it as a barrier to learning
• Over a third of respondents believe that ‘adult education is vital for personal development’
• 57% believe their involvement with adult education has improved their job prospects
• 70% believe training, education and upskilling are ‘essential for career development’, but nearly half do not receive organised or regular training at work.

The following pages explore the key findings of the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index in four distinct areas: previous experiences of part time education (Questions 1-13); employer support for training & education (Questions 14-17); awareness & access to lifelong learning (Questions 18-25); and intentions & motivations of the learner (Questions 26-31).

You will also find a breakdown and examination of results when our respondents are grouped according to the following categories: Age, Employment, Gender, Nationality, and Education.

Donal Kavanagh