Number of the month 8
Lifelong learning is considered the key to a sustainable working world. But reality shows that continuing education is used relatively sparingly in Germany.
What does lifelong learning mean?
Lifelong learning describes the continuous acquisition of knowledge and skills throughout all stages of life—both professionally and privately. It does not end with graduation from school or university, but accompanies people throughout their lives.
The philosopher Seneca summed it up succinctly:
“You must learn as long as you don't know, you must learn as long as you live.”
Seneca, philosopher
According to the European Union's definition, lifelong learning encompasses “all learning throughout life” that serves to further develop knowledge, skills, and competencies—regardless of whether it takes place formally or informally.
In a changing world of work, it is particularly clear that learning is not a closed chapter in life, but rather a permanent prerequisite for personal and social development.
What is behind the figure of 8%?
In 2022, only 8% of 25- to 64-year-olds participated in education or training. This puts Germany below the average for EU member states. In some Scandinavian countries, participation is significantly higher—there, continuous training is a natural part of working life.
The difference between age groups is particularly striking: while younger adults still take advantage of continuing education opportunities relatively frequently, participation rates decline noticeably with age. This raises questions, especially in times of skilled labor shortages and rapid technological developments:
How can we design learning opportunities in such a way that they reach all generations? And how can we create conditions that establish continuing education as an integral part of the working world?
One thing is certain: anyone who wants to master the challenges of digitalization, transformation, and demographic change needs a strong culture of continuing education—in companies, institutions, and educational establishments alike.
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