The main parameters of and mechanisms for the development of lifelong education of the adult population in the economically developed countries

Abstract

Lifelong education is gradually becoming the main challenge for the education system and for a significant part of the working population. The demand for it is influenced by the growth of interest in further education in a variety of forms, content and duration among the highly educated adult population; by the growth in the number of people who lack skills and qualifications to perform current work assignments, and by the increasing needs of employers operating in conditions of frequently changing requirements for the competence of employees due to technical and organizational changes. The author considers the indicators of the involvement of the adult population of economically developed countries in various forms of lifelong education, as well as incentives and barriers to such activities. It may be especially useful for the Russian public to learn about collective funds of professional training, and the use of instruments of state subsidization and reimbursement of expenses: educational loans and vouchers; individual and saving accounts which can become promising means to expand participation in lifelong education, including for a growing number of non-standard workers.