The proportion of adults either in learning or having completed a course in the last three years rose to a ten-year high of 43 per cent in 2010, compared with 39 per cent last year.

NIACE's UK-wide survey of nearly 5,000 adults also shows 60 per cent of full-time workers and 48 per cent of those employed part-time plan to take up learning in the future. The figures mark significant increases on 2009 of 13 per cent and nine per cent respectively.

"This survey shows something of a sea change in adults' engagement in learning," said Alan Tuckett, chief executive of NIACE.

"After years in which the numbers in learning fell overall, and the gulf between the learning rich and the learning poor widened dramatically, there has been a major shift - not only in the proportion of adults who are engaged in learning, but also in adults' expectations of taking part in the near future."

Mr Tucket highlighted an unprecedented rise of six per cent to 30 per cent of adults participating in learning from the DE demographic, comprising the unemployed, semi-skilled or unskilled, and retired people.

"For 20 years, the percentage of this group reporting current or recent study scarcely shifted, with just one in four participating, whilst more affluent social groups each in turn increased the numbers participating," he said.

"This year's increases can only be just a beginning. If those who benefit least from their initial education are to get a fair share of the opportunities that training and wider learning can bring, this level of increase will need to be emulated in 2011. Yet just to maintain these gains will be challenging, when public finances are under so much pressure. Things may be moving in the right direction, but they have some way to go.

The survey is published ahead of Adult Learners' Week (15-21 May), which will see events held across the UK to encourage more into learning whatever their age.

Jason Rainbow
 
(Pictured: NIACE chief executive Alan Tuckett)