One in three adults return to learning

14 Feb 2007

A survey of 2,214 adults in England by the Learning and Skills Council has revealed that over one in three adults (35%) have gone back to learning since leaving school and a further 6% are planning to do the same.

The research also showed that close to one in three adults (31 per cent) say they wish they had achieved better qualifications when they were younger and one in four (27 per cent) regret not making the most of the opportunities they were given at school or college.

The Sussex Learning Network aims to increase the opportunities for people to participate in higher education in vocational areas. The demand for learning with a vocational focus is highlighted by this research, which identifies that one quarter (25%) of the survey participants have trained or would like to train in a specific vocation.

Phil Hope MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills said: 

"Our message is that whatever your background or talents there will be a learning option for you. It may be an apprenticeship or work based learning route at a College. The quality, status and relevance of vocational qualifications have never been higher and these days they can set young people on their way to foundation degrees, higher education and top careers. Colleges are becoming highly focussed on employers' needs so training has to be practical and high quality, combining the theory and practical skills people really need.”

Related information

Learning and Skills Council