Adult Education

Over a third (36%) of working British Columbians between the ages of 25 and 64 participated in job-related adult education or training in 2008, up slightly from 34% in 2002.

BC’s rate was on par with the national average (36%), which saw a 30% boost over 2002. Provincially, rates were highest in Alberta and Saskatchewan (each 43% in 2008). Historically, the tendency has been for younger Canadian workers to have higher participation rates in job-related education or training. However, work-related education and training is becoming more prevalent among middle-aged Canadians, such that rates are now somewhat similar to those of their younger counterparts. In 2008, participation rates were highest among those aged 25 to 34 (43%), followed closely by 35 to 44 year-olds (42%). Among 45 to 64 year-olds, the rate was 29%. Males and females saw similar increases in their rates of participation in job-related education or training between 2002 and 2008, with both rising from 30% to 36% over the period.

Data Source: SC Cat. # 81-004-XIE

An excerpt from this week's Infoline Report - www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca