The effect of lifelong learning on intra-generational social mobility:evidence from longitudinal data in the United Kingdom

This research was commissioned to examine the potential non-pecuniary benefits of lifelong learning and to identify whether such benefits are evident and consider their implications for policy development. Specifically, the research aims to answer the following questions: To what extent is gaining qualifications in adulthood related to subsequent intra-generational social class mobility? Does the effect of obtaining qualifications on intra-generational social class trajectories vary by observable characteristics such as age, gender, initial qualifications and type of qualification obtained? In particular, are they larger for those with lower qualifications, those thought of as the hard to reach? Do skills improvements gained through training influence occupational status, as well as, or in addition to the achievement of formal qualifications?