Lifelong learning: a question of privilege?

Draws on research conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies for the DfEE. The research examined existing knowledge of the benefits of learning for both individuals and organizations and followed with a number of case studies of small and medium‐sized organizations. The study sought to understand better if lack of knowledge of learning benefits was a key factor in low participation. What was clear was the tendency for organizations to offer relatively brief training opportunities and the difficulties for individuals of participating in more extensive learning through their own funding. Those that need learning most and have potentially the most to gain have the greatest difficulty in accessing learning that might really make a difference to them. The report concludes that change must come through all stakeholders in the nation’s adoption of lifetime learning: the state, organizations and individuals.