Lifelong learning in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is often defined as the learning that takes place after a young person has finished formal education and training. In Scotland, lifelong learning has a broader definition and applies to learning and training for all ages.
Lifelong learning comprises full and part-time education and training, work-related training (including training for the unemployed) and training adult education courses, which are designed to meet a range of social and community needs.
In recent years the UK Governments have identified priorities in lifelong learning, with vocational education being given greater importance. There are skills and lifelong learning strategies in each of the four home countries.
World Class Skills describes the priorities set by the Government in developing skills and knowledge for a productive workforce. It aims to do this by fostering creativity, innovative thinking and enterprise, and increasing and widening participation in learning including basic skills and raising standards in teaching and learning.
In Scotland, the emphasis is on widening access to learning for all citizens. Key performance indicators have been identified to monitor the achievement of lifelong learning policies.
These indicators include: a reduction in the proportion of 16-19 year olds not in education, training and employment, an increase in graduates as a proportion of the workforce, and an increase in the proportion of people in employment undertaking training.
In Wales, the Assembly’s government strategy emphasises broadening learning pathways at all stages of the education system. The Learning Country is a strategy document which outlines the strategies to be put in place for learning in Wales.
The emphasis for lifelong learning is on tackling unemployment, dealing with the skills gap, and connecting schools and further education establishments in partnerships.
Some of the measures put in place to achieve these goals include: the Wales Employment and Skills Board the Welfare to Work agenda; a bespoke package embracing a Modern Skills Diploma for Adults; and the extension of Modern Apprenticeships beyond the age of 25.
Success Through Skills is a policy document outlining the lifelong skills strategies in Northern Ireland. It emphasises the importance of raising skills levels in the workplace and the role that Further Education has to play in achieving this aim. By improving skills levels, the strategy hopes to increase the productivity and competitiveness of companies in Northern Ireland.
| 
