The Adult learner cohorts: Unpacking adult learning participation and demand report explores adult learning participation and demand in Australia, identifying four learner cohorts to better understand people’s experiences and barriers to learning.
Key findings include:
- Around 1.6 million Australian adults wanted to participate in learning that they did not undertake in 2024-25.
- Time, cost and caring responsibilities are among the main barriers to learning.
- Adult learning participation has declined, with 31% of adults aged 25-64 participating in formal study or work-related training in 2024-25.
- Workplace conditions, including less secure employment, influence access to work-related training.
The findings provide a stronger basis for targeted approaches to lifelong learning that reflect people’s different circumstances and support Australia’s workforce, productivity and equity.
For more, download the full report.