Topic: Education
A study in Germany found that low-skilled workers are less likely to participate in continuing education programs. They think acquiring new skills won't help them succeed at work or be happy with their job. But providing simple information can change their minds.
A recent survey in Germany looked at why some workers don't want to learn new skills. The study, led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the ifo Institute, found that low-skilled workers are less likely to participate in employer-sponsored continuing education programs than highly skilled workers.
The researchers surveyed about 3,700 employees aged 25-55 in 2024. They found that 67% of higher-skilled employees had participated in further training in the past year, compared to 45% of lower-skilled employees. This confirms what we already knew: less-skilled workers and older employees are less likely to take advantage of continuing education opportunities.
But this study wanted to know why. So they asked participants about their expectations for their professional situation six years from then. They found that employees expect their earnings to be about 9% higher with continuing education than without it. This is a realistic expectation, as research estimates the actual effects to be similar.
The researchers identified expectations regarding career prospects, job satisfaction, and career opportunities as the most significant factors in their analysis. But there's a big difference between highly and less highly qualified employees: the latter are more skeptical that acquiring new skills will lead to greater success on the job or promotions.
But here's the good news: providing simple information can change attitudes towards continuing education. The researchers found that participants who received information about how to acquire new skills without difficulty, even in adulthood, and about the positive effects this can have, were more willing to pursue continuing education.
Why It Matters
This study is important because it shows that low-skilled workers need help understanding the benefits of learning new skills. If we can provide them with simple information, they may be more likely to participate in continuing education programs and improve their career prospects.
Key Facts
- A survey of 3,700 employees in Germany found that low-skilled workers are less likely to participate in continuing education programs.
- 67% of higher-skilled employees had participated in further training in the past year, compared to 45% of lower-skilled employees.
- Employees expect their earnings to be about 9% higher with continuing education than without it.
- Providing simple information can change attitudes towards continuing education.
- The study was led by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and the ifo Institute in 2024.
Key Terms
- Continuing Education
- Learning new skills or knowledge to improve job prospects or career advancement.
- Employer-Sponsored Continuing Education
- Training programs provided by employers for their employees to learn new skills or knowledge.
Implications
This study is important because it shows that low-skilled workers need help understanding the benefits of learning new skills. If we can provide them with simple information, they may be more likely to participate in continuing education programs and improve their career prospects.
Leave a comment