Numbers of adult learners show sharp increase in line with economic decline

High unemployment and few opportunities for employment means that adult learners now represent a significant cohort within the education sector. How adult learners can shape future policy developments was the topic for discussion at a recent meeting of AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, at the Clarion Hotel in Dublin.

The meeting was attended by over sixty practitioners, providers and learners within the adult learning sector. Three themes have been identified by AONTAS as crucial to the development of adult learning in Ireland over the coming years. Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS said:

'Over the past six months AONTAS has spoken to over 300 people within adult learning to identify the priorities for how this small but vital sector can develop in the current climate. Three key themes emerged from this discussion. Firstly, the sector needs a strong voice within the Department of Education and Skills. Secondly the work of adult learning needs to be promoted to ensure higher visibility. Finally, we need to focus on the value of adult learning.'

Ms Brady pointed to recent research which has identified for every single year that the average level of education of the adult population is raised there is a corresponding increase of 3.7% in long term economic growth. (The Belem Framework for Action, 2010).

The number of adults engaged in further education has increased dramatically over the past two years in line with the increase in unemployment. A comparison between figures from the Department of Education and Science in 2008, and more recent figures from the Department of Education and Skills for 2010 show an increase of approximately 36,000 learners participating in further education initiatives such as adult literacy, VTOS, PLCs, Senior Travelling Training Centres, Youthreach, and Community Education programmes.

These figures exclude adults who participate in evening courses, as well as those taking up third level education this year. One in every five applicants to the CAO this year was a mature student. The number of adults availing of further education now exceeds those participating on FÁS Training programmes, this year, which amounts to 157,000.

In October this year already 21,500 applicants had been approved for the Back to Education Allowance, with the final number of applicants expected to be even higher. 12,000 adults this year will avail of the new Labour Market Activation Measures targeting people who are unemployed.

'Adult education commands less than 5% of the overall education budget, said Ms Brady. 'From these figures it is clear that the sector offers significant value for money'.