Awareness & access to lifelong learning (Q18-25)

A considerable number of respondents are not finding it easy to access course information. 36% describe the process as ‘difficult’, while 4% find it ‘very hard’ to access information about part time education and training opportunities.

The single greatest change in respondent opinion since the 2007 Index relates to Question 23: ‘Which of these factors would influence your decision to your decision to enrol on a particular course?’ 2007 saw 13% identifying ‘course fees’ as the most influential factor when enrolling in a course. 61% cite fees as an influential factor in 2008 – a sure indicator of the financial pressures brought to bear on the Irish public’s learning ambitions by the recession, and something for course providers and the Government to consider.

Caring for children and relatives is a common obstacle for people seeking to enrol in part time education. 23% find it constrains their ability to participate ‘quite a bit’, while for 5% a nightcourse is ‘out of the question’ due to caring responsibilities.

Increasing childcare support is one of the suggested government actions provided in Question 24 that are well supported by our respondents. The three most popular suggested ways to improve access to adult education and training are increasing the adult education portion of the education budget (supported by 51%), broadening the grant system to include part time third level students (50%), and creating incentives for employers (50%).