Encompassing everything from academic study to professional or personal development, lifelong learning has come a long way since its origins in the 1970s. Today many see lifelong learning as the best way to help bridge the growing UK skills gap and adapt to a changing labour market (the current government even committing to ‘lifelong loan entitlement’, by 2025).
Read on to find out why employers increasingly value lifelong learning, and why you should, too.
- Employability
Pursue lifelong learning and you’ll stand out as someone who is flexible, innovative and enquiring – all traits employers highly value when recruiting.
- Job Retention
Developing yourself and your skillset whilst already in a job means your employer is more likely to see you as an asset and therefore someone they want to retain.
- Money Talks
The UK’s labour market is in flux. Investing in your own personal, professional or academic development will put you in a much better position to apply for a new role, get a promotion or even ask for a pay rise. It might even lead to a lucrative side hustle – no bad thing in these uncertain times!
- Competition
With the pace of technological advances in recent years, if you can equip yourself with in-demand skills, such as cyber security or programming, you’ll gain a competitive advantage over others – something employers actively seek.
- Adaptability
Globalisation has led to a demand for a more flexible skillset that can adapt to current and future needs. Digital literacy and innovative problem-solving are now as much valued by employers as degree level qualifications; lifelong learning can help with both.
- Ready for work?
In a recent CBI education and skills survey, 45% of CBI members ranked “‘work readiness’ as the most important factor they look for when recruiting rather than qualifications.” Lifelong learning helps you to not only gain new skills but also how to apply those skills.
- Team Happy
Post-pandemic, employers increasingly recognise the importance of staff well-being. With lifelong learning now proven to have a positive impact on individuals’ mental health your employer is much more likely to support your personal, professional and academic development.
- Brain Power
With an ageing UK population and today’s workforce facing a longer working life, employees need all the brain health and power they can get! Studies have shown that those who engage in lifelong learning ‘reduce their risk for cognitive decline.’
- Super-hero Pose
Lifelong learning is a virtuous circle: the more you acquire new knowledge and skills the more motivated you are to continue to develop yourself. This can lead to greater confidence in the workplace, positively impacting your ability to take on new challenges and contribute to your role. A win-win for your boss!
When it comes to deciding where to begin your lifelong learning journey, there are many places to choose from. So why choose City Short Courses? Part of a world-class London university, City Short Courses have been at the forefront of lifelong learning for over a decade. With over 200 courses on offer across a broad range of subjects – from computing to business, creative industries, law, languages and creative writing – there’s something for everyone. All our courses are taught by experts in their field so you’ll get practical, real-world tips and tricks you can apply in your personal and professional life.
Delivered online in small, interactive groups, City’s short courses are designed so that you can join from anywhere in the world. For more information visit our website. Or email shortcourses@city.ac.uk to be put in touch with one of our subject coordinators and find out more about how City Short Courses can help you begin your lifelong learning journey.
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