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In the present globalized environment, knowledge is emerging as a major driving factor for social development and economic growth. Education has come to play a vital role in producing and distributing knowledge as well as in building professional and technical skills. Adult education, or education during adulthood, includes all educational programs meant for the youth and adults in the age group of 15 years and above, which may or may not lead to any qualification. Adult education goes beyond the compulsory formal schooling that prepares individuals to be competent enough to play different roles in personal and professional spheres. Adult education, either classroom based or home-based, comes handy for people who require specialized skills to perform certain tasks, or for those who missed out on certain aspects or skills during their basic formal education. Earlier, adult education was regarded as a mode of remedial education, a perception that has changed with time. In the present scenario, adult and lifelong education system focuses on bridging the gap left behind by the mainstream educational system.
With the recession leading to increase in unemployment levels, adult education is playing a vital role in keeping them engaged and also enabling them to become updated with latest technologies in their core area. In times of economic difficulties, education gains significance as the need for skilled workforce required for restructuring the economy increases. The emphasis on developing capacity and skills of adults is attributed to various factors. One of the foremost influencing factors is that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) cannot be achieved without the active participation of all concerned parties. Even during the economic crisis, several countries have taken the decision to invest in adult learning, realizing the significance of learning as an essential strategy for emerging from the crisis.
Adult and continuing education also gains significance as specialty fields such as healthcare, alternate energy and advanced manufacturing require advanced skill set and knowledge. As gaining such knowledge is not possible through mainstream education alone, it becomes imperative for employees to acquire the knowledge either through company sponsored workforce development programs, or by enrolling into specialized programs offered by outside educational institutes. Adult education allows employees to enhance their skill set, while still continuing with their job. By opting for such initiatives, employers can keep pace with the competitive marketplace by ensuring that workforce remain updated on latest technologies and skills.
The demand for higher education has been rising during the current recession, as evident by the fact that colleges and universities in the US are witnessing a surge in enrolments from students returning to the university. The rise was particularly evident in public higher education sector, owing to the lower tuition costs as compared to for-profit and private independent sectors. Students sought admission into low cost in-state options, generally community colleges, in order to avoid the high cost associated with private institutions. For people who have lost jobs due to recession, college or university degree is emerging as a means to enhance employment prospects. Higher education has been found to lower individual's vulnerability to unemployment, and also holds the promise of higher financial benefits.
The research report titled "Adult Education: A Global Outlook" announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a collection of statistical anecdotes, market briefs, and concise summaries of research findings. The report offers an aerial view of the global adult education industry, identifies major short to medium term market challenges, and growth drivers. Regional markets elaborated upon include United States, Canada, Japan, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, UK, Australia, China, India, and South Africa, among others. Also included is an indexed, easy-to-refer, fact-finder directory listing the addresses, and contact details of companies worldwide.
For more details about this comprehensive industry report, please visit - www.strategyr.com/Adult_Education_Industry_Market_Report.asp
