It’s never too late to get back into learning (From Gazette)

It’s never too late to get back into learning

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 journey is set in motion for many from the age of just four.

Far less attention though 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 involved in learning, or have been 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 the amount has decreased.

To promote education for mature students, NIACE held its annual Adult Learners’ Week, last week.

The week-long festival aims to inspire people to try something new, from learning Pilates to gaining a PhD.

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

Colchester Institute was one of the educational establishments in Essex that took part.

Staff worked outside the Colchester Learning Shop, in St Nicholas Street, to highlight the importance of adult learning, as well as explaining the opportunities on offer.

The institute, whose main campus is at Sheepen Road, Colchester, provides a range of part-time courses, including art, design and media, business and management, hairdressing and beauty therapy, and hospitality and food studies.

Kati Vardon, marketing manager, said: “We believe adult learning is extremely important, whether you have new career aspirations or wish to focus on advancing in the job you’re in.

“The purpose of Adult Learners’ Week is to encourage adults, whatever their age or background, to gain a new qualification. We offer a range of degree and postgraduate courses which can be studied full-time or part-time, either during the day or evening, in a range of subject areas.”

For more details, call the course enquiry line on 01206 712777 or visit www.colchester.ac.uk