Adult learning

Adult Learning and Education (ALE) is essential for societies facing rapid change. Ageing populations, digitalisation, and the green transition demand that adults continuously reskill and upskill. The EU has set a target of 60% participation in adult learning by 2030, yet participation remains far below this level. Expanding opportunities for adults to learn is therefore a priority for competitiveness, innovation, and social cohesion.

Why adult learning matters

More than being seen as a labour market tool, adult learning can be beneficial in numerous ways, as it influences: 

• Economic resilience: equipping workers with skills for new industries and technologies.
• Social inclusion: ensuring minorities, migrants, and disadvantaged groups can access learning.
• Democracy and citizenship: enabling participation, voice, and dignity for all adults.
• Personal growth: fostering the joy of learning, curiosity, and lifelong engagement.

Despite its importance, adult learning faces persistent challenges across many countries. Those most in need of learning opportunities often participate the least, while fragmented responsibilities across ministries and institutions can weaken coherent systems. Other critical gaps to address include: 

• Quality and relevance: teacher training, accreditation, and innovative curricula are vital.
• Funding: ALE investment remains low, averaging 0.1% of GDP in EU Member States.
• Recognition of skills: migrants and mobile workers need fair systems to validate competences.

What ETF is doing to promote adult learning and education

Guided by the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Skills Agenda, the Union of Skills, and the Council Resolution on a  new European Agenda for Adult Learning 2021-2030, the ETF works to strengthen the capacity of VET providers and Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs) to deliver adult education and training opportunities in flexible, hybrid learning contexts. Specifically:

1. Building tools and partnerships that make adult learning inclusive and effective

• Inter‑ministerial coordination and regional task forces.
• Partnerships with civil society, chambers of commerce, and employers to promote lifelong learning.
• Innovative tools such as micro‑credentials and individual learning accounts.
• Outreach strategies that actively bring learning opportunities to adults where they live and work.

2. Designing policies and sharing knowledge to transform adult learning

• Designing policies that make adult learning accessible and inclusive.
• Sharing evidence and good practices across EU and Neighbourhood countries, as part of the ETF Network for Excellence
• Strengthening teacher excellence and innovative learning pathways.
• Promoting adult learning as a right, a culture, and a driver of human capital development.

Adult learning as culture

Adult learning is about much more than just preparing for work. It is a lifelong journey that helps build skills, confidence and enables everyone to actively participate in their communities. The ETF is committed to helping its partner countries develop systems that are inclusive and responsive, underscoring the importance of adult learning as a shared culture.