Not too long ago, adult education was synonymous with hobby classes. It introduced people to new pasttimes, provided opportunities for self-improvement, and served as a social outlet. As Ireland approaches the Millennium, however, adults are increasingly looking at part-time, evening and distance learning courses as ways to gain additional qualifications to improve their career and job prospects. AONTAS, the National Association of Adult Education, provides an information service for adult learners on education and training opportunities. Last year, it fielded more than 1,300 calls from people interested in further study.
"The majority of callers are not interested in short courses. They are looking for courses leading to qualifications for careers," says Isobel Crowe, information support officer at AONTAS.
Some people are at mid-life and want to change careers, she explains. Others want to return to the workplace after years of working in the home. Many simply want to advance their careers and need further training to do so. And a growing number of people in their 40s and 50s feel they missed out on educational opportunities when they were younger and want to make up for lost time. According to Crowe, callers are seeking information across a range of areas, from Junior Certificate to Leaving Cert, City & Guilds programmes, diplomas, degrees and even post-graduate courses.
Of most interest are courses in computers and information technology, with callers inquiring about everything from basic word processing to computer programming and software engineering, she says. The other main areas of interest this year are counselling and psychology, especially addiction studies; business studies, particularly start-your-own business courses; and social studies. Inquiries are also up for teaching, horticulture and interior design, alternative health courses such as acupuncture, homeopathy and reflexology, as well as law, marketing, tourism, health and safety, and the whole range of courses available through distance learning.
The move towards career-oriented education and training indicates a growing awareness among adults of the importance of lifelong learning.
But the calls to the AONTAS office also highlight two critical areas that need to be addressed: career guidance and funding.
"A lot of people need someone to listen to them to help them assess their options and there is very little guidance out there," says Jane McKeon, information officer with AONTAS. "Funding is also very important."
No funding is available to support students on part-time courses. Instead, adult learners must rely on their savings or ask their employers to help out. Some tax relief is available for longer courses, and those who are unemployed can avail of back-to-education allowances. But for people in low-paid jobs, the challenge of further education lies in more than the books.
"It can be a struggle, especially if they have a family and a mortgage and they are trying to work and keep that going. "Sometimes they can get through the first year but then have to drop out because of funding. On the other hand, there are people who do it and succeed. But it's hard."
