Getting Skills Right: Future-Ready Adult Learning Systems
With digitalisation, deepening globalisation and population ageing, the world of work is changing. The extent to which individuals, firms and economies can harness the benefits of these changes critically depends on the readiness of adult learning systems to help people develop relevant skills for this changing world of work. This report presents the key results from the Priorities for Adult Learning (PAL) Dashboard which facilitates comparisons between countries along seven dimensions of the readiness of adult learning systems to address future skill challenges. Based on the dashboard, the report highlights in which areas action is needed, and policy examples from OECD and emerging countries throughout the report illustrate how these actions could be implemented.
Coverage and inclusiveness
For a future of work that is both more rewarding and inclusive, ensuring broad-based coverage of adult learning is a necessary condition. Yet, data shows that participation levels in job-related adult learning are low. In addition, the individuals most exposed to changes in skill needs are often under-represented in adult learning. This chapter discusses the common challenge of engagement and inclusion of adult learners and highlights for which countries this challenge is particularly severe. It also discusses which actions can be taken to for more inclusive access and participation in adult learning.