Education - analysis of results

Education - analysis of results

This article examines results of the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index in terms of two groups: those who left full time education at primary or secondary level (‘early leavers’ for the purpose of this piece), and those who went on to further study in a plc college, institute of technology, university or any such institution (‘further learners’).

The signs are encouraging that most ‘early leavers’ are committed to improving their lot through part time education or training. 88% (compared with 79% of ‘further learners’) have taken part in a course. For an impressive number of ‘early leavers’ (22%), the course in question was a third level programme.

The findings of the Index do reveal however, a number of difficulties and obstacles that those who left full time education at an early stage face when they seek to return to education. And it is these specific difficulties that may be contributing to a situation whereby 34% of early leavers have not enrolled in a course in the past five years. The same situation applies to just 18% of ‘further learners’.

Question 6 deals with those who have returned to education after a period of five years or more and it is clear that ‘early leavers’ find it more difficult than ‘further learners’ to reintegrate in the classroom. 20% of the former and 7% of the latter found the experience to be ‘very tough – could not get into the swing of things at all’.

Many ‘early leaver’ respondents reported having difficulty with issues such as ‘literacy – either reading & writing or computer literacy’ (13%) and ‘study skills’ (36%).

It is understandable therefore, that many ‘early leavers’ should wish to learn together in a classroom environment where support from fellow students is readily available. 14% named ‘community education methodology (e.g. group work)’ as their ‘preferred method of learning’, compared with just 3% of ‘further learners’.

Employer support for ‘early leavers’ is noticeably less than for ‘further learners’, as revealed by the following results:

• Question 14 – Do you receive organised or regular training at work?
  ‘Early leavers’ who said ‘yes’ – 30%
  ‘Further learners’ who said ‘yes’ – 41%
• Question 15 – Do you think that your employer offers sufficient training and education opportunities?
  ‘Early leavers’ who said ‘yes’ – 28%
  ‘Further learners’ who said ‘yes’ – 38%
• Question 16 – What level of funding does your employer offer in terms of fees?
  ‘Early leavers’ who said ‘none at all’ – 43%
  ‘Further learners’ who said ‘none at all’ – 31%
• Questions 17 – Does your employer offer any of the following supports when you are seeking access to education/training?
  Percentage of ‘early leavers’ who receive ‘study or exam leave’ – 18%
  Percentage of ‘further learners’ who receive ‘study or exam leave’ – 42%

People who left full time education without formal qualifications are one of the main target groups for supports such as the BTEI (Back to Education Initiative) and BTEA (Back to Education Allowance). It is disappointing therefore, to see that less than half (46%) of ‘early leavers’ are aware of these initiatives (Question 25).

Finally, it is interesting to note the responses to Question 31: ‘what subject area would you most like to take a course in?’ The most popular option for ‘early leavers’ was ‘computers & IT’ with 23% selecting this subject area, showing that the importance of computer literacy for upskilling and career prospects is well recognised within the adult learner community. The most popular subject for ‘further learners’ is ‘humanities & social sciences’, which was selected by 19%.