It’s never too late (From Echo)

It’s never too late

9:00pm Tuesday 25th May 2010 in Education By James Kershaw

RECEPTION, infant, junior and secondary school, college and then maybe even university.

That is the educational that set in motion for many from the age of four.

Far less attention is given to learning opportunities available beyond this conventional route.

The benefits adults can gain from education are huge, and the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) aims to highlight them, and celebrate those who participate.

“Learning as an adult is good for your health, your self-esteem and your employability, so don’t miss out on the opportunities available,” says Rachel Thomson, senior campaigns officer at NIACE.

“With the nation recovering from the recession, now could be a crucial time to get back into learning, to give you the skills you need to stay in work, or even get a better job.”

Recent research has shown economic uncertainty has impacted on the number of adults who are in learning or thinking about learning in the future.

A UK wide survey has indicated the number of adults who are currently learning, or have done so in the past three years, has risen by four per cent from 39 per cent in 2009, to 43 per cent in 2010 – its highest level for ten years.

However, figures for the East of England show it is the only region where there has been a decline in numbers.

To promote education in older people, NIACE held its annual Adult Learners’ Week, last week.

The festival aims to inspire thousands of adults to try something new, from learning Pilates to working for a PhD.

Now in its 19th year, it is the largest learning campaign of its kind and is celebrated in more than 50 countries across the world.