Adult Education and Training are Essential

Covid-19, the economic crisis and the rising services sector are fundamentally changing the labour markets. Therefore, the Turkish workforce needs to acquire new knowledge and skills to adapt and perform in a transforming work environment. Adult education and training are the most effective tools to support us in doing that. 

Adult learning has grown essential both for our society and our economy. We are undergoing rapid changes in work life with digitalisation, globalisation, changing demographics, new technologies and mass migration. These bring new challenges and needs along with opportunities and possibilities for improvement. In addition, we are on the verge of a new economic system which will require new knowledge, skill sets, a new mindset and even a new attitude. 

Does this mean we need to create a whole new workforce? No, but we need to develop a new approach to professional life. Education and training are the most effective tools to help us do that. 

Adult education (also referred to as continuing or recurring education), in this sense, refers to a practice which aims to improve the technical and professional qualifications, development of abilities, acquisition of new knowledge and enhancement of skills to update and adjust the workforce to the current needs of work life[1]. It differs from school-based and higher education as adult learners already have certain levels of knowledge and experience. 

Accordingly, one of the main focuses of adult education is to develop the ability to transfer knowledge and skills learned in one setting to a new one, use life experiences in different contexts, and integrate new ideas with already existing knowledge. Thus, the success of the training relies very much upon the adult learners themselves. 

Like the right to vote, education at any stage in life is critical for us to own our voice. 

Adult education prepares individuals for the changes that await them in their careers. It empowers learners by improving their employability and income. It enhances job options and supports career transitions. As a result, people become more independent, more productive and more actively engaged in socio-economic life. A knowledgeable, experienced and qualified workforce also supports economic development. It contributes to a productive, competitive and resilient economy. 

Let us remember that once, education was only a privilege. Now, it is a universally recognised fundamental human right. Like the right to vote, education at any stage in life is critical for us to own our voice.  

[1] “Adult Education”, http://uis.unesco.org/en/glossary-term/adult-education, (reference date: 16.01.2022)