In early September, the European Commission released the Eurydice report – an extensive analysis of adult education and training in Europe taking a closer look at lifelong learning and the measures and support in place for those adults with low levels of skills and qualifications to access learning opportunities.
The report found that on average, around 40 % of adults in the EU are at risk of digital exclusion. More people are required to have the appropriate levels of literacy, numeracy and digital skills that are essential to current careers and those of the future.
However, there are some who do not possess these skills to the required level. Lifelong learning and development of skills have never been more important, especially in the digitally transforming atmosphere following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data shows that more adults regularly participate in non-formal learning programmes as they tend to be shorter and more adaptable courses. Distance learning is one of the ways that the flexibility of education and training can be enhanced. However, learning solely online may limit the progression of the adults who have low levels of or no digital skills, who may prefer the traditional face-to-face instruction or who don’t know the best way to ask for help.
The Eurydice report only reinforces the approach taken by the Women4It team in introducing digital skills training to young women. The Women4IT courses provide the optimal combination of features: they are short-term, blended (classroom based and online), non-formal, with a lot of practical exercises, market-relevant theory and mentor support. All this makes the courses easy and engaging enough to follow.
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Find out more about the Women4IT courses – Women4IT Course Resources
Read the full Eurydice report Adult education and training in Europe: Building inclusive pathways to skills and qualifications
