Sign up to the Get the Nation Learning Charter
We recognise the many benefits of lifelong learning for people, society and the economy
Learning for any reason and none is beneficial to people at any stage of life. It can: help people find work and build a career; improve health and wellbeing; support community engagement and active citizenship; allow people to upskill in their existing job or retrain into a new role or sector; equip employers with new and improved skills; and drive growth in local areas and the economy at large.
Despite this, investment and participation in adult learning has fallen dramatically over recent years, with large inequalities in access by age, class, region, and prior educational attainment.
We commit to building a future where everyone can learn throughout life
Lifelong learning is becoming ever more important. As technology alters our economy and careers get longer, people need empowering to update their skills. The same is true for life outside of work, with people needing the know-how to access essential public services and remain active and engaged in their communities.
Ensuring every adult can learn throughout life promises great rewards. Growth, productivity, good work, resilient communities, fuller and richer lives – these are some of the prizes on offer. But if levels of learning continue to languish the future will look different – with job dislocation, economic scarring, deepening inequalities, and social exclusion all a major risk.
We will lead by example to Get the Nation Learning – setting goals, measuring progress, sharing success and guiding others
Everyone has a role to play in getting the nation learning. National and regional governments can put the funding and policy in place to increase levels of learning and narrow inequalities in access between groups. Employers can invest more in skills and training and give their staff the flexibility to engage in learning both inside and outside of work. Community organisations have a role in delivering adult learning but also removing barriers local people and their service users face in pursuing learning opportunities. By acting together, we can move towards being a culture, society and economy where everyone can learn throughout life.