Learning is truly for people of all ages. There are many ways for students to continue to study and earn credentials after the big graduation cap toss.
While the traditional study is still mostly completed through a two-to-four-year diploma or degree programme, many learners—and even businesses—are seeing the value of lifelong learning through continuing education.
The EU has a target that at least 60% of all adults should be participating in training every year by 2030. In the EU in 2021 the share of people aged 25-64 who had participated in education or training in the past four weeks was 10.8% of the population.
With such a large group falling outside the fresh-out-of-high-school student scope, it’s easy to see why offering continuing education courses is becoming more popular in postsecondary education.
What Is Continuing Education?
Continuing education can be defined as courses that are usually taken by adult learners, typically with a part-time course load. Adult continuing education is an opportunity for these learners to complete a previously started degree or upskill themselves to progress in their careers.
Students who enrol in post-secondary continuing education programmes are gaining skills to help set them up for success in the job market
However, continuing education courses aren’t just for mid-career adults. With more workplaces offering incentives for continuing education, learners of all ages can take advantage of opportunities to grow their skills.
Continuing education plays an important role in addressing skills shortages by offering programmes that are aligned with employer demand. Students who enrol in these postsecondary programs are gaining skills to help set them up for success in the job market.
The Value of Continuing Education for Mid-Career Adults
Workplaces and their operating tactics evolve as time progresses. As many workers continue their journey in the workforce, they become further removed from their original education. Research done by the World Economic Forum in 2020 found that by 2025, 44% of the skills current employees hold will need to change.
Instead of getting stuck in the past, upskilling or taking advantage of continuing education is a great way for employees to stay relevant and competitive in their market.
Many companies have started offering learning budget perks for their employees. These perks not only help staff further develop their skills, but they can also help employers improve retention.
To help with the growing demand associated with non-traditional learners, many post-secondary institutions are developing or expanding their continuing education departments. From offering certificates and micro-credentials to stand-alone or stackable courses, there are options for everyone.
The Minnesota State IT Center of Excellence (ITCOE), hosted by Metropolitan State University, is helping fill IT industry job demand in Minnesota. The institution’s Curriculum Project used its learning management system, D2L Brightspace™, to deliver on-demand, IT-focused modules across its campuses.
The modules are completely virtual and free, which means working students can access and complete exercises to upskill their abilities in a more flexible manner.
By offering continuing education, ITCOE was able to help meet the needs of its community by upskilling students and filling open jobs.
Continuing Education for New Grads
Although continuing education may be thought of as an offering used more commonly by mid-career professionals, there’s no reason why a new graduate wouldn’t want to take advantage of furthering their skills.
Senior leaders understand the value that L&D delivers to their organisations. LinkedIn Learning’s 2020 report shows that consistent with previous years, L&D budgets and online learning investments are on the rise.
The needs and wants of students graduating from high school and pursuing post-secondary education are changing.
University World News reported this year that dropping student enrolment has become a major trend in higher education in many countries. Whilst Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands are seeing an increase, other regions are experiencing a decline.
For higher ed institutions, companies offering tuition reimbursement benefits and continuing education are the perfect storm for ambitious Gen Zs looking to advance their careers. Offering alternative ways to attract students, like continuing education courses, can keep butts in seats.
Choosing Continuing Education
Making options available for students who want to continue to pursue education outside a formal degree holds benefits for learners and institutions alike.
If there’s a willingness to learn, providing students with an outlet to fulfil their academic pursuits will promote lifelong learning for all parties involved.
Written by:
Kristine Clark is part of the EMEA Marketing Team with a focus on content and email marketing. Combining a love for languages and culture with over 2 decades of marketing skills.
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