The two bar charts show why people of different age groups choose to study and how many of them receive support from their employers.
Overall, younger people, especially those under 26, mostly study to build a future career, while older individuals, particularly those over 49, are more motivated by personal interest. In terms of employer support, it is highest among the youngest group and tends to decrease with age.
Looking more closely, around 80% of people under 26 study for career-related reasons, while only about 10% do it for personal interest. This trend continues for those aged 26 to 29, although the gap between the two reasons becomes smaller. For people in their 30s, the percentage of those studying for career purposes continues to drop but still remains slightly higher than those studying for interest. In contrast, people aged 40-49 show equal motivation for both reasons, with each accounting for roughly 40%. For those over 49, the trend reverses: about 70% study for personal interest, while only 20% aim to improve their careers.
When it comes to employer support, younger students benefit the most. About 62% of those under 26 receive help from their employers. This figure drops significantly for those in their 30s, down to around 31%. Support levels among people aged 40 and above range from just over 30% to around 42%, suggesting that some older learners still receive assistance but not as much as the youngest group.