Which Course Seminar AONTAS took a stand over the weekend of the 29th and 30th of August at the Which Course Exhibition. The AONTAS stand was part of an ‘information hub’ along with the INOU and ICTU. In total we distributed 210 copies of our Information Booklet to both learners and providers over the two day period. Advantages to participating Opportunity to meet 198 individuals looking for information. A total of 139 learners visited our stand with very specific queries in relation to adult education. A further 59 attendees shared information with us in relation to their own personal learning journeys to date by completing questionnaires. 52 people attended the AONTAS seminar on day 2. Provided a chance to be part of an Expo catering specifically for Adult Education in Ireland. The timing of this event was the highly influential 2 weeks prior to the start of the new semester which enabled learners to make more informed decisions. We had an opportunity to deliver a seminar to potential learners –informing them of learning opportunities and supports available within the sector; this allowed learners to put a face to AONTAS. Seminars are a great way of delivering information to a large group. In terms of queries handled the following gives a flavour of information gathered by participating in the event. Fig 1: Gender
62 77
Female Male
Breakdown of female age profiles
1% 12%
17% 18-23 yrs 23-30 yrs
30%
30-40 yrs 40%
40-55 yrs Over 55 yrs
Breakdown of male age profiles
2% 13% 11%
39%
18-23 yrs 23-30 yrs 30-40 yrs 40-55 yrs 35%
Over 55 yrs
Fig 2: Geographical Locations
80 70
69
60 50 40 30 21 20 10
5 0
2
6 1
3
1
5
9 2
10 5
0
Fig 3: Identified challenges/barriers encountered by learners
3
12 38
Funding Childcare Costs
41
Transport 6
Accessing a flexible course 2
37
Finding Information Lack of confidence Not stated
This indicates that of those who visited the AONTAS stand with a specific query an overwhelming 30% stated that finding accurate and easy to understand information was in itself a barrier. This appears to be very frustrating for those who want to return to learning.
A further 27% stated there needs to be a more flexible approach to learning adult learning and stated that the lack of flexibility within Higher Education Institutions is a barrier.
Fig 4: Reasons for returning to learning
60 50
48 36
40 30 20
16
13
11
10
7
5
3
0
It was very encouraging to see that the majority of people visiting our stand were seeking to up-skill whilst in employment and were not viewing education simply as a vehicle to find a job. 39% of those visiting our stand with a specific query were in full-time employment, whilst 19% were in part-time employment and a further 3% were recently reduced to short time hours. Only 37% of the individuals who visited our stand with a specific query were unemployed. See the diagram below for more detailed information. Fig 5: Employment Profiles 2% 8%
3% Employed Full-time
6%
39%
Employed Part-time Reduced to Short Hours
18%
Unemployed < 1 year Unemployed < 6 months 5%
Unemployed < 3 months 19%
Long term unemployed Not stated
As stated above 59 individuals â&#x20AC;&#x201C;lifelong learning advocates chose to share information in relation to their learning journeys. 31 of these are willing to become advocates of learning for AONTAS. Each of these 59 people requested a copy of the AONTAS Information Booklet. 71% of those who completed our questionnaires were female. Breakdown of female age profiles 33% of females were in the 23-30 years age bracket 29% of females were in the 40-50 years age bracket 28% of females were in the 30-40 years age bracket 5% of females were in the 18-23 years age bracket A further 5% of females were over 55 years
Breakdown of male age profiles 59% of males were in the 30-40 years age bracket 23% of males were in the 23-30 years age bracket 12% of males were in the40-50 years age bracket 6% were over 55
Fig 6: Geographical locations of learners who shared their stories
3 21 4
Dublin Kildare Westmeath Carlow Not stated 49
Fig 7: Breakdown of type of barriers mentioned in case-studies gathered 2% 2% 29%
25%
Funding Childcare Costs Transport
3%
Accessing a flexible course Finding Information Lack of confidence
39%
Not stated
Most Common Queries 1. Funding
2. Accreditation 3. Business Course
7.CAO 13. Garda exams 19. Social Application for welfare mature students benefits and education 8. Literacy Tutor 14. TEFL 20. Funding for private courses 9. Interview 15. Youthwork 21. Finance Skills
4. Guidance
10. Postgrad courses
16. Language
5.Health & Nutrition 6. Renewable Energy
11. BTEA
17. FETAC courses 18. Computers
12. Part-time Adult Ed
22. Primary School Teaching 23. Law 24. Distance Learning
25. Nursing
26. Disability Supports 27. Adult Education Tutoring 28. Workplace Learning 29. Hobby/ Interest 30. Senior Learning
Fig 8: Lifelong learning advocates reasons for returning to learning 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
17 14 10 7
6 2
1
Fig 9: Employment profiles of advocates of lifelong learning
2 Employed Full-time 3
8
Employed Part-time Reduced to Short Hours Unemployed < 1 year
2
Unemployed < 6 months 1
1
Unemployed < 3 months Long term unemployed