The European Agenda on Adult learning was started to highlight and encourage more people to return to adult learning courses.
For The EU campaign, AONTAS (The National Adult Learning Organisation), is collaborating with the The Department of Education and Skills.
AONTAS was pivotal in the campaign website and offering advice on a Freephone Helpline.
The project’s first phase was between 2012-2014. Over 10,000 people interacted and visited the website, looking for skills and adult learning courses.
In February 2015, AONTAS held an Adult Learners’ Festival, encouraging communities to get involved with raising the profile of the project. Education and Training Boards can apply for a 600 allowance to help boost awareness for their education and training programmes.
The NALA (National Adult Literacy Agency) have also been involved in analysing data from the PIAAC (Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies). NALA are studying the roadblocks for adults looking to return to education.
NALA are researching four key areas: Parental education, skills adults already possess, skills discrepancies, and political competency. The results of this study will be available in September.
