Lifelong learning, 2013, 1st quarter

Persons aged 35 to 44 years participated most frequently in non-formal education, both among the employed and persons who were not employed. 57 per cent of women in this age group attended non-formal education during the last 12 months, compared to 53 per cent of men.

People with higher education participate more

The participation rate in non-formal education was higher among those who had university or college education. 64 per cent of employed persons with higher education attended non-formal education during the past year. In comparison, 45 per cent of employed persons with upper secondary education and 35 per cent of employed persons with lower secondary education participated in non-formal education.

Managers more likely to attend

Those employed in managerial occupations participated most frequently in non-formal education, followed by persons employed in professional occupations. 70 per cent of women in managerial occupations attended non-formal education during the last 12 months. The participation rate is lowest among plant and machine operators and assemblers, where 35 per cent attended non-formal education during the past year.

Formal education common for young people

13 per cent of employees in employment and 21 per cent of persons not in employment aged 22 to 66 years participated in formal education during the last 12 months. The participation rate was highest among those in the age group between 22 and 34 years, where 56 per cent of persons who were not employed attended formal education. In comparison, only 3 per cent of persons not in employment aged 45 to 59 years participated. People who already had education on university or college level were more likely to attend formal education.