Call for Lifelong Learning Funding to Unlock UK Economic Growth
02 June 2025
Launching new research, ‘Making lifelong learning central to university strategy’, at the House of Lords on Monday 2nd June 2025, the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL), calls on the government to commit to a national strategy and funding for lifelong learning.
Based on global research by CarringtonCrisp amongst 1,255 employers and 10,210 individual learners, the report urges the government to support universities to embrace new delivery models, forge deeper partnerships with employers, and expand their offerings beyond traditional degree programmes.
Professor Jonathan Michie, UALL Chair comments: “The research shows significant demand from organisations and individuals for lifelong learning. The challenge now, with the approach of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, is for universities and employers to partner with government to deliver on its five missions including economic growth. A revolution in skills and lifelong learning can achieve major structural shifts in the economy, but a joined-up strategy and funding is needed.”
The research reveals that more half of employers (51%) plan to increase their training budgets over the next two years, up from 38% over the previous two years. At the same time, employers would like to see universities evolve to better meet their workforce development needs. More than 70% of employers agreed on the importance of universities:
- Continuing to develop more flexible learning approaches.
- Offering affordable programmes that deliver practical, work-relevant skills.
- Becoming more innovative in how they support lifelong learning.
Currently, only a third (32%) of employers use universities as their main provider for staff development, behind private providers (40%) and professional/industry bodies (37%). Employers, much like individual learners, are open to sourcing learning providers globally to find the best fit. Nearly half (49%) would support staff taking online courses with a university based in another country, with an additional 39% open to the idea. A third (33%) would consider sending employees to study face-to-face abroad. There is also a growing demand for long-term partnerships with learning providers — with 72% of employers aiming to build these relationships to ensure strategic alignment and impact.
Andrew Crisp, CarringtonCrisp, author of the research observes: “Universities are seen as credible providers, and a growing number are developing innovative approaches to lifelong learning. However, competition is fierce, and universities need to go further. While lifelong learning in universities is not new, the way it is being sought by individuals and employers and how it is provided means systems and strategies need to change. What is right for degrees, doesn’t always work for the short courses that are often in demand. A greater use of technology, partnerships across universities and other providers, alongside more short courses are all part of the future.”
Flexibility and value for money are the two major demands from both individuals and employers. For individuals, the motivation to engage in further study stems from a desire for skills development (35%) and personal growth (34%), with many also choosing to learn for enjoyment (23%). Individuals expect to engage in education more frequently and to continue learning into retirement. Their preferences are shifting towards shorter, more flexible learning formats, delivered in blended or online formats. A quarter (24%) say they would only participate in free courses, while an equal proportion expect funding to come from local or national government.
For employers, learning is increasingly seen as a strategic tool to improve productivity and efficiency (46%), introduce new technology (39%), develop high potential staff (38%), build more sustainable operations (31%) and working practices (28%). Employers place a strong emphasis on short non-degree university programmes, industry certifications, and coaching, although a quarter of employers (25%) remain interested in postgraduate degrees.
Professor Jonathan Michie concludes: “The research is clear - investing in lifelong learning is investing in the UK’s future. By developing a national strategy and funding we have the power to unlock economic growth, social mobility, and innovation. There is a great opportunity to ensure everyone has the chance to reskill, upskill, and contribute to a dynamic, competitive economy.”
A summary of the report can be downloaded here.
The full report can be downloaded here.