Recent data from the CSO’s Quarterly National Household Survey shows that in Quarter 4 of 2015, Ireland’s participation in Lifelong Learning was 7.2%. Other key findings in the EGFSN report are:

• Of the population of almost 2.5 million adults aged 25-64 in Ireland, 177,300 people participated in Lifelong Learning activities in Quarter 4 2015;
• The majority of these (amounting to 116,700 persons) participated in formal learning activities (i.e. education and training in the regular system of schools, universities, colleges and other formal educational institutions);
• The remainder participated in non-formal learning activities (i.e. other organised and sustained educational activities which may or may not take place in educational institutions);
• With a participation rate of 8%, females were more likely than males (at 6.3%) to participate in Lifelong Learning, particularly in non-formal learning activities;
• Lifelong learning participation rates tend to decline with age, but participation is greater amongst those with higher educational attainment levels;
• Participation rates were above the national average for the economically inactive and the unemployed, while the rate was below the national average for those in employment;
• Ireland’s participation rate in non-formal learning is particularly low, although its rate of formal learning is amongst one of the highest in the EU.
• The most common categories of education are arts/humanities, health, business, education, services and STEM.

The National Skills Strategy recognises the role of lifelong learning in developing a skilled, flexible workforce where individuals use skills to move between jobs and careers in their lifetime. If you are interested in Lifelong Learning, view CMIT’s latest list of home study elearning courses, many of which are accredited on the National Framework of Education, overseen by the Department of Education.  Our aim is to provide the opportunity for people to gain a recognised qualification in the most convenient and flexible way possible, while providing clear value for money. You can get one-to-one support from your Tutor online and personalised feedback on your progress. Telephone support is also provided by our Student Support Team.