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Working and ageing
278 Guidance and counselling for mature learners

At the personal exploration stage, data were captured on learning history
and preferred modes of learning. In terms of involvement in any formal
learning, it had been more than 10 years for 64% of participants with only 11%
participating in formal learning over the previous two years. This changed
significantly when asked how long it had been since participating in informal
learning. Some 79% were actively engaged in learning or had been within the
past two years compared with 11% who had not participated in informal
learning for over 10 years. Table 14.2 shows this in more detail.

Table 14.2. Participation rates of individuals in formal and informal
learning over time

Time-scale < 2 years 2-5 years 5-10 years 10+ years
Formal 11% 10% 15% 64%
Informal 79% 7% 3% 11%

Source: Centre for lifelong learning, 2011.

A review of preferred learning styles also took place. All participants had
experience of classroom-based learning with only 42% having experienced
online learning, with the overwhelming response being it is not their preferred
way of learning. Only 25% of participants had experienced distance learning
with 35% having experienced workplace learning.
Individuals were also asked to consider the type of learning that would
interest them most at this stage in their working lives. Some 60% indicated
that career-related learning would be of interest and 81% responded that they
would also like to learn for their own personal interest. Only 10% were
interested in achieving any type of formal or vocational qualifications.

14.8.2. Accessing advice and guidance
In 2008, the Scottish government created Skills Development Scotland, a non-
departmental public body which brought together the careers, skills, training
and funding services of Careers Scotland, Scottish University for Industry
(Learndirect Scotland) and the skills intervention arms of Scottish Enterprise
and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The organisation has 1 400 staff and
a network of public access centres and offices across Scotland. It is an all-
age guidance service open to everyone regardless of age. When individuals
were asked if they knew of this service, 78% responded they had never heard
of it. Once the background to the service had been explained, 80% indicated