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Media Release
A PATH TO SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE THROUGH ADULT LEARNING
28 November, 2003 MIN 543/03
Today I launched an important discussion paper on mature age learning and adult education in Australia at the Adult Learning Australia annual conference at the University of Technology in Sydney.
At a time when Australians are expected to have up to seven different careers during their lifetime, the paper titled You can too: Adult learning in Australia, highlights the importance for all Australians to keep learning - beyond school, university, TAFE and private institutions - right through middle age and beyond.
Australia’s population is ageing rapidly. By 2050, one in four Australians will be aged 65 or over, compared with just one in eight today. The paper emphasises the need and advantages for business to keep older workers active and engaged in the workforce through ongoing on the job training.
The paper also discusses the challenges faced by adult learners in rural and regional Australia – many of whom rightly turn to education as a means of overcoming the consequences of significant social, industrial and economic change in their communities.
Australia already enjoys a strong and vibrant adult and community education sector, with 6% of Australians aged 40 and over participating in education today - five times the average of other OECD countries. This year, more than 500,000 people aged over 40 will participate in formal learning.
As a nation there is clearly more we can do. The paper invites comment on seven key issues:
- Understanding the needs of adult learners;
- Building relationships between service providers, employers, government and the community;
- Promoting the value of adult learning;
- Assisting mature age transitions;
- Supporting learning in the workplace;
- Ensuring access to opportunities; and
- Engaging communities.
The paper will be distributed widely in coming weeks and is also available at www.dest.gov.au/research/publications/nov03/you_can_too.htm.
The deadline for submissions is 5 March 2004, with public discussions scheduled to be held in capital cities and major regional centres in February and March 2004.
Media Contact:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323
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