The bar charts illustrate the reasons why people of different age groups choose to study and the extent of support they receive from their employers. The figures are given in percentages.
Overall, younger students tend to study mainly for career purposes, while older learners increasingly prioritise personal interest. Employer support is highest among the youngest group and declines steadily with age, reaching the lowest levels among people in their forties.
Students under 26 show the strongest focus on career-related study, with 80% citing this reason, compared with only 10% who study out of interest. A similar pattern can be seen among the 26-29 and 30-39 groups, though the proportion studying for career gradually decreases with age, while interest-based study becomes more common. By contrast, the oldest group shows the opposite trend: around 70% of learners over 49 study for personal interest, whereas only about 20% do so for career advancement. The 40-49 group represents a transition point, with both motives equally important at 40%.
Regarding employer support, the youngest students receive the highest level of assistance, with approximately 65% benefiting from help such as paid time off or fee coverage. Support then drops steadily across age groups, reaching a low of around 30% among people aged 40-49, before rising slightly for the oldest learners. The trend suggests that employer assistance is more closely linked to age than to the students’ study motives.