Simon Parkinson, CEO of the large adult learning charity, WEA, looks at the multiple pluses lifelong learning courses give adults – something that gets lost in translation by a government that still has no overall adult learning strategy. Interview by Nicola Baird.
As the demand for green skills grows, the challenge is creating clear routes into these roles. Targeted training programmes can bridge this gap by combining technical knowledge with practical application.
As demand for green skills grows, the challenge is helping people understand how these jobs connect to their everyday lives.
For some young people, access to work is not just about skills – it is shaped by complex barriers including trauma, instability and lack of opportunity. Without targeted support, many remain excluded from the workforce.
Access to learning is not equal for all adults. For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the availability of appropriate, specialist provision can determine whether learning is possible at all.
For many adults, returning to work after a long break can feel overwhelming – especially without recent experience or a clear pathway.
For adults with learning difficulties or disabilities, the journey into employment often starts with building confidence and practical skills in a supportive environment.
We explore how confidence, access and lifelong learning determine who gets to contribute to London’s economy – and why the boroughs investing in participation today are building the productive city of tomorrow.
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