As part of the VocTech Challenge: Skills for an economy in transition, Ufi VocTech Trust (Ufi) and Learning and Work Institute (L&W) are working with local stakeholders across the UK to identify the key local barriers to adult participation in learning and consider what actions we can take to address them. This blog sets out some of the themes arising from our discussions so far.
To find out more about our place-based collaborations, and the Green and White Papers that set out the background and commitments of the VocTech Challenge programme, please visit ufi.co.uk/challenge.
Place-based collaboration: Belfast
In November 2023, L&W and Ufi led an in-person workshop with key stakeholders in Belfast, to identify current challenges and opportunities for adult learning in the city.
Barriers to participation in learning
Stakeholders identified a range of barriers preventing adults in Belfast from participating in learning – with systemic barriers being a key factor limiting engagement. This includes the disjointed skills system in Northern Ireland, with responsibility for skills and employment sitting between two government departments, leaving individuals unsure of where to look for learning opportunities. Competition for funding between education providers was also described as leading to a lack of collaboration in the sector.
