Participation in lifelong learning is determined by the relationship between conditions and characteristics at three levels: the individual, learning providers and countries. This report, undertaken under the auspices of the ENLIVEN project, focuses on learning providers and the provision available for adult learners, in particular those who are disadvantaged, in ten countries/regions: Austria, Bulgaria, England, Estonia, Flanders, Italy, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain and Australia. In Part 1, theories, typologies and international measurement of lifelong learning participation are discussed. A typology of seven adult education types is described: basic skills and basic education; second chance education at upper secondary levels; post-secondary vocational education training (VET); apprenticeships; training as part of active labour market policies (ALMPs); workplace and job-related learning; personal and social learning. In Part 2, descriptions and critical analysis of provision at country-level are provided for each adult education type. The main provider types are described, and are broadly defined in terms of being public sector providers (non-profit government-funded institutions), private sector providers (for-profit organisations), or third sector providers (non-profit voluntary, community or social organisations). Part 3 provides cross-country comparisons, in relation to employment and education indicators and by provision type. The country context is further considered in the context of market economy and welfare state typologies, in the form of analysis of each country’s adult education infrastructure in relation to a welfare state type. The report finally discusses what, as suggested by the findings, are the aspects of provision and provider types most relevant to disadvantaged adults.
Horizon 2020 - ENLIVEN 