Lifelong learning 'should be a right'

MSPs say learning should be available to all

Every adult in Scotland should have a right to a continuing education, according to a parliamentary committee.

The call is contained within a report by the enterprise and lifelong learning committee setting out a vision for the future of post-school education north of the border.

It says that a falling population means the Scottish economy needs workers to be constantly up-dating their skills.

Lifelong learning is vital to Scotland's economic development

Alex Neil
Committee convener

MSPs also say that the country's education system will have to be reformed to cope with the change.

The report follows an investigation into all types of further and higher education - from work-based training to university degrees.

It has been described as the biggest review of its kind since the Robbins report on higher education in 1963, which led to an expansion of Britain's universities.

MSPs asked whether the current learning system was meeting Scotland's economic demands, and what action should be taken to improve training and adult education.

They received almost 300 submissions from individuals and organisations.

Learning opportunities

Earlier this year the inquiry team published draft proposals for equal entitlement to learning for all citizens.

That call was reaffirmed in the report released on Monday, which said everyone should have access to a range of learning opportunities throughout their life.

The committee said this was essential for the future of the economy.

The committee wants lifelong learning to be a reality

With the number of young workers predicted to fall by a quarter over the next 20 years, older workers will have to be retrained.

The committee said the barriers between university and further education colleges have to be broken down and part-time study has to be supported with grants on the same basis as full-time education.

MSPs suggest the creation of a business learning account and funding for community learning.

The committee accepted that the costs would be huge, but said it had delivered a long-term vision.

The Scottish Executive is due to give its response before a major parliamentary debate on 27 November.

'Radical developments'

Committee convener Alex Neil said lifelong learning had often been neglected - but was "crucially important" to the future of Scotland.

"We have suggested some radical developments - moving to entitlement, focussing on targeting disadvantage, and redistributing resources to support," he said.

"This will help people continue to train and learn throughout their lives - rather than education being something only for those at school.

"Lifelong learning is vital to Scotland's economic development, but we believe it is also a fundamental right to ensure that all who want to learn - at whatever age or interest - can do so. "