Hidden Barriers in the Education of Adult Learners

This workshop addressed questions regarding the barriers that inhibit adult participation in learning, especially VET and various forms of informal learning processes. The twenty participants came from various member state backgrounds and interests in adult learning and VET. That diversity included representation of the concerns of adults with specific disadvantages, including people with physical or other impairments to learning, migrating or travelling groups, prisoners, and marginalised urban dwellers. It included academic and social researchers in education and related social fields in labour markets and employment studies. The speaker, Professor James Wickham, provided a comprehensive overview of social and economic conditions and labour market developments in which adult, lifelong learning and VET occurs.