If you feel shaken by existential challenges – from the Covid-19 pandemic that grievously disrupted economies to technological advances leading to job uncertainty – you are not alone.
Mid-career workers who have long left school and with little time for learning because of other obligations; He added that we have to design a new architectural system of lifelong learning – one that is “far more networked, fluid, agile” and ensures progress for everyone. Lifelong learning is a necessity for us to develop confident individuals, a cohesive society and a competitive country. We must ensure that opportunities remain open to all and individuals, regardless of their background, can develop to their fullest potential throughout life.A partnership between educational institutions and learning providers, government, and industry is crucial.
He also cited the Springboard+ programme, which provides free higher education courses for people who are unemployed or were self-employed, and those looking to return to the workforce, as part of Ireland's lifelong learning agenda. Youths who take up apprenticeships at a company also do courses in a vocational school. They are exposed to the company’s daily issues, learn key industry trends and gain valuable skills that are relevant to the labour market.
Universities are well-placed to influence learners, said Prof Kong, especially those at the undergraduate level who “need to see and understand that education doesn’t end at the point they graduate… and can carry this attitude of lifelong learning.” Some may be better suited in this new landscape of ensuring lifelong learning, while others may lose their value proposition in trying to pivot in this direction, she explained.
Established in 2008 as a training centre, it has gone on to develop expertise in research into adult education pedagogies, built links with enterprises and established a strong international network.