Learning for adults

I sympathise with Kawan.  This is a problem of our copying the US education system, pushing as many as possible into Uni believing that this is the only way to provide a skilled workforce. Clearly, it does not work for everyone. 
To the subject at hand.  Given the aging population (many of which will not have been to Uni) perhaps AEB should concentrate on subjects that will enhance their lives and life skills.  Several members eg Rizwana/Grace21/Cleopatra, have mention exercise related subjects, known to stave off many aspects of MH and dementia. Those together with ones like Yoga and Tai Chi can help balance and fitness and may prevent future medical intervention and costs. As funding is limited, perhaps drawing private sector resources by working with private care homes to run courses on recognising and dealing with dementia.  We have lost or are losing much local community history so Rose.galvin's suggestion of guided walks focusing on local history sounds a good idea - cheap, interesting and promoting and developing community links. 

I believe removing the barriers on apprenticeships for adults is very important, even for adults who have been to university and cannot enter their industry because they don't have a 1st class or a 2:1. After I graduated some +10 years ago I could not get into graduate programs because I was getting rejected (even today because I am not a recent graduate :)), so I wanted to start again with an apprenticeship but I was not eligible unless I paid 16k which I couldn't borrow on top of my existing debt, even today. My point is, companies should offer apprenticeship for graduates too and government don't need to pay for it, if a company is ready and willing to pay a starting salary of £27k for a fresh graduate with a 2:1 then they should consider graduates with lower class to start over with an apprenticeship but pay them minimum wage until they work their way up because that is their industry they just haven't found a way to step in and at least gain some experience to make up for the lower class grade. I got into a level one job in a workshop last April, now I am 34, yes over ten years after graduation wasted, I spent my time working in retail and even restaurant. There are many apprenticeships available that I would love to get right now but I can only look but can't touch, that is just wrong.

British history and creative writing

Vocational courses would be nice. Also regular dance classes for older people to help stave off dementia and have some fun. Anything to reduce isolation and engage with the community would be welcomed by those living alone. Also, bear in mind that people are still in employment well into their 50's and 60's so make the classes accessible and affordable to those still working.

There are lots of affordable classes in my borough. Exercise classes I used to attend were excellent because they were friendly and people went there who wouldn't go to the local leisure centre. I rely on dance classes these days and they are excellent all rounders for exercise that's fun, self- esteem (we do performances) and improving mental health.

If there was adult education that provided day time structure, a chance to socialise, learn new skills, become qualified to start work and fun for people who are unable to work because of mental health issues. Not a pressure environment but to help them have better prospects for the future and get the support they need that they may not have gotten in school to achieve and work in fulfilling and better paid jobs. I could've used this

I agree that guided walks would be interesting. There is so much history in London.

We should also help people that do have basic education but want to go a bit further?

I want to do a course on health and social care, to be a registered manager

digital media courses please as most adults are so digitally backwards

I too would like a course to improve my limited German language skills.  I am also interested in music courses, in particular composition and arranging.

I would like the creative writing course and art course

Guided walks around different parts of London with a focus on history, art, etc.Beginners courses on art/craft skills - water colours, pottery printing. Creative courses to work as a group towards a community project. 

I would like a course in conversational German.