Lifelong Learning All learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competence, within a personal, civic, social and/or employment- related perspective. European Union

Lifelong Learning Modern Educational policy places a great deal of emphasis on learning for adults The is a relatively recent development in education Due to changes in technological, scientific and organisational structures

Lifelong Learning Across the EU, governments are embracing lifelong learning as a way of tackling the challenges of social inclusion and economic competitiveness Lifelong learning in very important in Northern Ireland, considering it is a regional economy which is vulnerable to competitors elsewhere in Europe

Lifelong Learning Lifelong Learning has not been taken up too much in NI, which is surprising considering that the levels of educational attainment are very high in UK standards, both in Schools and Universities

Lifelong Learning In 2001 and 2003 the Life and Times Survey assessed people’s attitudes to lifelong learning; the following were it’s findings...

The Life and Times Survey Lifelong learning opens up a whole new life 86% of respondents agreed 14% of respondents disagreed

The Life and Times Survey Lifelong learning is only worthwhile if it leads to a new job or a promotion 36% of respondents agreed 51% of respondents disagreed (and felt it was important in and of itself) 13% of respondents don’t know

The Life and Times Survey Lifelong learning should be paid for by the government 73% of respondents agreed 10% of respondents disagreed (it is up to the individual) 17% of respondents don’t know

The Life and Times Survey Schools teach you skills and knowledge needed for later life 30% of respondents agreed 70% of respondents disagreed

Summary Most people in NI have a very positive attitude to lifelong learning Most people think the government should pay (or help pay) for it Most people think workers themselves should take responsibility for learning new skills Most people think school did not help them enough to prepare for real life