Lifelong learning is exactly what it says – learning new skills throughout your life. It can have boundless benefits both personally and professionally. Here are the three biggest paybacks that you can expect from expanding your skill set:
Career Boost
Lifelong learning can put you in an excellent position to fill the current skills gap in the employment market, so adding to your qualifications can put you at an immediate advantage with potential employers.
Taking commercial courses can also keep you up-to-date with advances in your industry and ensure that you can outrun competition, as well as motivating you to take a renewed interest in your work.
Health & Mental Wellbeing
The NHS recommends lifelong learning for making a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. Learning can boost self confidence and self-esteem, while helping to build your sense of self-purpose.
In addition, a study by the Mental Health Foundation found that on average, people with mental health problems found that symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, were reduced after completing a skills course.
Socialisation & Networking
Taking a course is a great way to expand your social circle. According to Psychology Today, adults find it more difficult to make friends and, as we age, our number of friendships often decreases. Learning a new skill in a fun, engaging environment is the perfect opportunity to make new connections.
A more active social life can positively affect our health, too. “Studies have shown that those with more active social lives are twice as likely to outlive those who lead solitary lives,” say the British Council. “Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that our social lives can more accurately predict life expectancy than our dietary and exercise habits.”
And finally, taking a course takes the pressure away from business networking.
“If you're someone who isn't inclined to attend forced "networking" events, a class is often an informal way to meet other professionals at similar stages in their careers,” says mashable.com.
So there you have it. Lifelong learning can reduce stress, increase life satisfaction, prolong your life expectancy, transform your career prospects and boost your social life. What are you waiting for?
Explore our adult courses now.