Employees, Public Policy

The buzz words "learning society" and "lifelong learning" tell us where we need to get to. Today's reality is that only one in five adults in Britain can correctly answer 12 simple maths questions, half the number in France, Japan and other major competitors. Is the University for Industry the answer? Can it be made to work? There is no alternative but to try.

Britain is so far behind that it needs a quantum leap to catch up. A big and bold information technology initiative might do it. Since British youngsters have more exposure to computers at school than some other European countries, that gives a head start. But do companies and individuals really want it? Will it be demand-led or supply inflicted? Millions of personal Learn As You Earn accounts could create the demand if there is money in them. One way or other companies will end up paying more for training if the learning society is to become a reality.

However the first to benefit will be those least in need: those with access to equipment at home or working for companies already committed to lifelong learning. That's where community affairs departments can work alongside their colleagues in personnel and training. If the University for Industry becomes reality, the most disadvantaged will not benefit unless companies open up their resources, both facilities and tutors/mentors, to help the most deprived communities.

Corporate Citizenship Briefing, issue no: 32 - February, 1997