NIACE Adult Participation Survey 2002

The 2002 survey of adult participation in learning tells a complicated tale. While participation has fallen since 2001, the data shows an overall trend of rising participation in the last six years, while also showing that progress has reinforced the gaps between the learning-haves and the learning-have-nots. Adults in professional and managerial groups are more than twice as likely to learn as the poorest, least skilled and retired. The young participate in far greater numbers than the old, and those with jobs are more likely to have access to learning than those without. The survey suggests that there is a need for sustained policies to stimulate demand if we are to create a learning society for all.

Click here for more information about Two steps forward, one step back, which reports on the headline findings of the 2002 survey.

Adult learning and social division: a persistent pattern is the full report of the 2002 NIACE adult participation in learning survey.

Volume 1 provides trend data to show how patterns of participation have changed over time as well as offering a benchmark against which future changes can be measured.

Volume 2 is a collection of essays, written by respected authors in the field, drawing on data published in volume 1 to provide commentary and perspectives on adult’s engagement with learning.

NIACE adult participation in learning survey 2002