to be shocked at the demise of adult education?

[Goldfsh]

Now I have an empty nest, I was hoping to start some adult education classes in academic topics that interest me, e.g. history or literature.

Having contacted the two local colleges who used to drop brochures for adult classes through the door, I've learnt that they don't exist any more!

There are some online classes, or courses to get back into work, and some painting type classes - or U3A if you are semi-retired (I am far from that unfortunately!). But no general education classes.

I found this very depressing. I really wanted to learn something new and connect with local people too. AIBU to be shocked that these sorts of classes are a thing of the past?

Are these daytime classes?

I agree, I’m desperate for some sort of art course…evening class in watercolours or acrylics and there’s nothing.

People voted for funding cuts to adult education. Funding was cut. Therefore you will struggle to find classes.

The WEA have been campaigning but campaigns require support from voters. You may find WEA courses but they have just been decimated too.

https://www.wea.org.uk/

Are there no F2F tutorials any more? That's sad.

Even when I studied, not everyone on the course came to the tutorials, but a quick Google implies it's 'Online' class tutorials, rather than physical meetups nowadays.

That's because languages were one of the first to be de-funded. A foreign language is not an employment skill so no funding therefore no language classes. The only funding left is for functional skills, "wellbeing" and classes that can prove they get people into jobs (any jobs).

If people want things like adult education to be available they need to write to their MPs and support adult education funding - even when it doesn't matter to them right in this moment. Instead of voting for cuts because they think it will only affect other people, and then complaining later when it starts to affect them.

This is a great shame. Year’s ago I did dressmaking, cake decorating, a language, and various others. There were so many courses to choose from, very sad to think it’s not really a thing anymore.

Just looked at my local - well, it was once a library, but now… I think it’s latest name is Community Arts Hub. Anyway, all they have is “sip and paint” sessions, showing a hairy-chested bloke in a tutu boasting that they are inclusive. All good, but clearly ordinary old woman is not their preferred demographic!

its latest name - grrrr stop editing for me!

Yes, lots of things like that were I live too, but what I hate is that by signing up to their classes, you are also agreeing to consent to have your photo on social media... and that is not something I accept at all.

I agree there are far fewer. My parents both used to teach at night schools which were really common. I am doing a module with the OU you don’t have to do a degree but that is a lot more expensive

I think that a few posters on here have hit the nail on the head - it's the loss of opportunity to better yourself or improve your employability that's been totally lost now. And that's saddest of all

It is also hard to find tutors now. They still pay about £25ph but that is inclusive of prep, and loads of utterly unnecessary admin. So for a two hour class, by the time you've prepped, commuted, got there early enough to set up, taught, answered a few questions from hangers on at the end, done your paperwork, cleared up, given back the key, got home, you're looking at £50 for about 5 hours' work.

Yes, still lots of art/craft courses here at least. But they are hobby courses. They wont lead to a job, and there is a real lack of adult education courses for that now.
I also hate that people say to just go online. I can not do self directed learning at all.

They are daytime classes tbf but I think they do a fair amount of evening classes but not necessarily in those subjects.

It's so sad. Im coming up to retirement age and had always envisaged it stuffed full of learning languages and local history!

Are posters finding this is about demand? I know a few course providers have said that demand has just completely fallen off post Covid and also some of them are having to charge amounts that people aren't prepared to pay.

If you're thinking more of the heavily subsidised state providers, It happened ages ago when there were massive cuts to the adult education budget which in turn made it not worth it for providers to do

I was on a Web development class about 20 years ago and they said they were going to have to shut down, in spite of the fact that lots of adults needed that to further their career

With the recreational courses, sorry to say I do understand why funding would be cut

But with courses that actually help people get into work, I don't understand it.

Yes OP!

It’s so awful - I actually have some time in the week so joined a day class to learn willow weaving which I’ve loved. It was quite pricey though at £25 a lesson paid half termly. I was the youngest by about 30 years as well which I don’t mind but not so good for making friends if you’re new to an area.

A lass I used to work with retrained as a beautician at night school and I just don’t think that kind of option exists now, it’s so limiting.

I’ve done a few online courses in philosophy but would love a literature or history course in person.

I’d also love a DIY course as whilst you can learn a lot via YouTube - if it involves electricity or plumbing I’d really value learning in safer environment before breaking my own house. Especially as some YouTube videos are for completely different types of style of house/heating systems or whatever.

It’s like we’re only supposed to work and consume in society now, nothing else for fun, enrichment or curiosity.

Have you looked at local sixth form colleges? The one near me has some adult evening classes.

Where I am there have been a lot of changes due to funding cuts. A number of former tutors have left the Adult Ed service and are running classes privately now - mostly advertising on local Facebook groups. Prices are actually cheaper in some.cases

It’s not new. Years ago - about 2008 - I did a History AS level in evening classes for fun. Soon after, that was scrapped. So all you can do now is basic IT, maths and English classes. Such a shame.

Have you checked with your local private schools if they run any evening classes? Ours runs courses for a small fee for the community in things like Art, literature and history.

I did GCSEs in accounting, economics and sociology. Plus IT and language classes. This was late 80s/90s, so a long time ago now.

I think that may be a good point as to why so many courses were offered years ago, but they weren’t free to a working adult. And I don’t think people are looking for free courses now, most people would expect to pay, the problem is that the courses are no longer on offer.

I live just round the corner from an adult college and they have definitely stopped doing a lot of the classes they used to do. And those they do do are during the day!!

A few years ago I started going to another adult college to do wood work lessons. It cost £60 for 6 weeks, so totally affordable and was always fully booked. Then the council dropped their funding and they then cost over £200!! They last a year and now they no longer do them at all.

Sadly the costs of staff, buildings etc just makes it unaffordable to people to pay for the classes.

Me too. I loved doing an evening class in random but interesting/useful skills. There’s just nothing available at our local college now 😢