Employment - analysis of results

The following analysis is based upon the employment status of respondents to the 2008 Lifelong Learning Index: the employed and unemployed.

Participation in part time education and training is high among both the employed and the unemployed, with 81% of the former and 77% of the latter having taken part in a course.

In response to Question 3 (What type of learning was involved?), more of the employed had engaged in third level studies (26%) than the unemployed (13%), for whom further education (FETAC) courses were the most popular option (30%). Less predictably however, was the fact that postgraduate courses were taken by roughly equal amounts of the employed (14%) and unemployed (11%). Which may go to show how even the most highly qualified are finding it difficult to secure employment.

There was a marked difference in response to Question 5: How long is it since you underwent part time or full time education or training? 39% of the unemployed had taken a course in the past year, compared with just 24% of those currently in employment. These figures may indicate a lack of access to training for employees in Ireland, and the ambition of the unemployed to secure work through attaining qualifications.

Transport to classes is ‘a source of particular difficulty’ for a significant number of the unemployed (18%), which may encourage colleges to consider innovative options such as providing courses at non-peak travel times or through online formats.

33% of the unemployed received the majority of the fees for their last course from a government body or grant. That is a significant investment but there is room for improvement if the Government is serious about promoting upskilling and retraining for the many who have been recently made redundant.

Only 36% of the unemployed are aware of initiatives such as the Back to Education Initiative, and more unemployed (47%) than employed respondents (38%) found it ‘difficult’ or ‘very hard’ to access information about part time education and training opportunities.

These circumstances undoubtedly contribute to an overall lack of optimism. Less than half of our unemployed respondents (46%) believe their involvement with adult education has benefited their job prospects, compared with 66% of employed learners.