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Vulnerable Workers and the Demise of Adult Education in England

Authors :
Wallis, Emma
Nacua, Lizel
Winterton, Jonathan
Source :
Education & Training. 2022 64(2):244-258.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Purpose: This paper reviews changing government policy on adult education in England over the past 20 years and the funding regimes affecting adult and community learning and union-led learning, which play a major role in learning opportunities for socially excluded adults. Design/methodology/approach: A review and analysis of extant literature, informed by previous involvement in the sector and ongoing collaborations. Findings: Two decades ago, adult education in England provided a variety of learning opportunities for people who either had limited qualifications or who needed to reskill for whatever reason. Access to those opportunities has been reduced just when it is most needed. Research limitations/implications: This is a review and viewpoint paper based on experience in England, the limitations of which are discussed in the concluding section. Notwithstanding the institutional specificities of adult education in England, many of the implications are generic and have wider relevance beyond this country context. Practical implications: Economic recovery post-coronavirus (COVID) and Brexit will require more access to adult education so people can prepare for labour market re-integration. The practical implication of extending provision in adult education to support labour market integration of vulnerable workers is relevant to most countries. Originality/value: This paper takes a holistic view of adult education, with particular attention to adult and community learning and union-led learning.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0040-0912
Volume :
64
Issue :
2
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Education & Training
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1336898
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Information Analyses
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-07-2021-0257