Time for change: tackling inequalities in learning and training

[Background] [Aims] [Audience] [Outcomes] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

Background

A growing body of evidence shows that taking part in learning makes a difference to the economic and social well-being of individuals, families, communities and nations. Learning is good for health, for longevity, and for the levels of social cohesion in the communities in which we live. The children of parents who are active learners fare better in their own education and life chances. The economic prosperity of the UK also depends on people becoming more skilled, innovative and capable through continuing to learn.

Learning throughout life matters, yet the NIACE series of surveys on adult participation in learning consistently shows that active participation in learning remains a minority activity among adults in the UK, with significant inequalities in who participates and who does not. A complementary pattern is reflected in the UK Commission's Employer Skills Survey (2011) which finds there are significant variations in the level of training, businesses carried out by size and sector. Training is not offered to all staff and nearly half miss out depending on occupation.

Despite much effort and investment, we have not seen significant inroads made into addressing inequalities in learning and training. If we continue as we are the situation is unlikely to change. Do these inequalities matter? If so, what should be done and by whom? 

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Aims

This joint NIACE, UKCES and Unionlearn forum seeks to bring together key decision makers and influencers in adult learning and training arena to shape the future. A key outcome is to identify actions to tackle the inequalities in learning and training.

Participants will:

• Hear about the findings of the NIACE Adult Participation in Learning Survey and the UK Commission's Employer Skills Survey (2011)
• Reflect on the relationship between learning and work including the role that ULRs and Workplace Learning Advocates play
• Identify potential ideas for creating a step change in adult participation in learning and training
• Engage in the development of future policy and practice with regards to adult learning and training

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Outcomes

Participants will take away evidence, ideas and actions to increase and widen participation in adult learning and training.

Your participation at this event is crucial to shape future policy and practice which makes a difference to tackle the entrenched inequalities.

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Audience

The event will be of interest to key decision makers and influencers in adult learning and training arena. This will include employers, business organisations, unions, sector skills councils, learning providers, local authorities and sector bodies.

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Programme 

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Event Information

• Arrival and registration is at 9:15am for a 9:45am start. The event will end with lunch at 1:15pm
• Event fee per person: Free to attendees (includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee)
• Only online application forms will be processed.
• Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed online application forms (one online application form per person)
• Video cameras may be in use at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration
• Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there will not be handouts for all sessions
• If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk 

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Application Conditions

• Event date: Thursday 29 November 2012
• Closing date: Thursday 15 November 2012
• Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
• A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
• Places are to be reserved online - scroll up and click on Apply Now
• Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
• Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event
• NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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