Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskFew people are studying for “sub-degree” qualifications—technical certificates and diplomas that school-leavers can obtain in one or two years. Only 10% of adults in England hold one of those as their highest qualification, compared with around 20% in Germany and more than 30% in Canada. Part of the reason is that part-time study has become less popular: part-timers account for about half of the people taking sub-degree courses.
In theory, this would not only encourage school-leavers back into classrooms but would steer some young people away from conventional degrees. An independent review of student financing released in 2019 argued that it would encourage learners to shop around for cheaper degree courses . Young people might also ask themselves whether one or two years of post-secondary study could be enough to launch their careers.
Lifelong learning is lifelong health. A society that does not does not foster and enable lifelong learning will wither. And should.