A new working paper, Forces at work: adult learning and the Australian labour market, explores how technological change, shifting industry structures, demographic trends and job mobility are transforming the skills that Australians need throughout their working lives.
The research finds that adult learning is relevant well beyond career changes. Many workers gain value by strengthening and deepening skills within their current roles, improving performance and adaptability without necessarily changing jobs.
It also highlights that learning alone is not enough. Stronger labour market outcomes are achieved when skill development is supported by effective systems for recognising, deploying and redeploying those skills across the economy.
Importantly, the paper identifies Australia’s growing need for adult learning as a shared challenge. While individuals play a role, workplace practices and broader system-level settings will be critical to lifting participation, productivity and outcomes.
The report points to four key forces driving demand for adult learning: the rapid pace of skill change, structural shifts within and between industries, job mobility, and an ageing workforce.
This paper is part of a broader series examining lifelong learning beyond initial education, with future research set to explore participation trends and the evolving interaction between the labour market and skills system.
To share your feedback on this paper or to request further engagement as part of our research on lifelong learning, contacting us at Skills@jobsandskills.gov.au
