Adults go back to school in increasing numbers

Limerick Independent

While the back to school rush is a recent memory for many schoolchildren, they are not the only ones returning to education. Adults form a large number of those who stocked their shopping trolleys with pens, refill pads and highlighters last August. According to Aontas, the Irish National Association of Adult Education, 150,000 adults participate in evening courses annually.

According to a survey by Learning Ireland, an educational publisher, Irish people see the importance of continuing their education throughout their working lives. More than 4 out of 5 of respondents to the Lifelong Learning Index 2006 say they have taken an adult education course, while 77% plan to enrol in a course in the next twelve months.

The national situation is replicated in Limerick, with many educational centres around the city, from secondary schools to third level institutions, buzzing with activity every evening, as adult learners flock to classes in diverse subjects.

Pat Maunsell is a busy man. As the Director of Adult Education at Limerick Senior College, one of the biggest providers of evening courses in the Midwest Region, he oversees an operation that gives courses to some 3,000 learners per annum. He explained some of the reasons motivating adults to return to education.

He noted that while certain learners seek to gain extra qualifications in order to progress in their careers, this is not the only reason why evening courses are so popular today. Others may treat a course as a hobby, while some enjoy the social aspect. He said that there is an increasing emphasis on the idea of work-life balance: ‘People know you have to unwind and de-stress as well as being ambitious and gaining qualifications.’

Mr Maunsell admitted that while for some learners the return to the classroom environment can be intimidating, he said: ‘We give them information at the beginning of the course, and try to present them with an adult friendly environment.’

Although most courses, especially year-long ones, follow the traditional academic pattern of beginning in September, there are many others that start in January. The City of Limerick Vocational Education Committee have published a free guidebook providing detailed information on adult learning opportunities offered by all providers in Limerick City. It is available in many bookshops and educational centres, should you wish to make an education-based New Year’s Resolution next January. A complete listing of courses can also be found on the VEC's website.