Why adult learning can change your life

If you, like many others, found your school days less than inspiring then it's possible that the thought of further study may not fill you with joy. However, it's worth bearing in mind that learning new skills as an adult can be a completely different and much more positive experience

The truth about adult learning

Research carried out by Home Learning College shows that almost a third (31 per cent) of British adults wish they had studied harder in their formative years, which goes a long way to explaining why 37 per cent have undertaken some form of study since the age of 25.

One of the key benefits to adult learning is the ability to focus on topics that relate directly to your personal or professional life. In fact, 40 per cent of people who responded to our survey said that they are more motivated to learn as an adult thanks to choosing subjects in which they have a genuine interest.

Perhaps you left school without the grades needed to pursue your dream career. Or maybe you started off doing something you enjoyed but after several years you are ready for a fresh start and a new challenge. Either way, it's never too late to work towards those goals and change your life for the better.

Academic or vocational learning?

Generally academic qualifications - such as bachelors and postgraduate degrees - focus on theories and concepts, whereas vocational courses teach practical skills relating to a specific profession. As a result, a vocational qualification is likely to have a more immediate effect on your job prospects.