R04: Work and family can limit participation

E-022. OECD, July 2025. Trends in Adult Learning.

Method: Analysis of the 2023 Survey of Adult Skills. Relevant figures concern adults aged 25–65 and learning the OECD classifies as non-formal and job-related, such as short work courses. OECD averages give each participating member country equal weight; they are not a pooled SUNY sample.

Learning: Among adults reporting a barrier to desired learning, work/family time accounts for 48% of main barriers in the country average. The question asks for one main barrier. It does not mean 48% of all adults face that barrier. [Figure 3.7, printed p. 80; PDF p. 82.]

Limits: Includes workplace training beyond colleges. Report definitions differ from SUNY's noncredit categories. Barrier questions concern people expressing demand; they do not explain all non-participation.

Confidence: Strong for the defined international result; indirect relevance to SUNY.

Coverage: Definitions, Figure 3.1 and barrier section: PDF pp. 5, 15, 73, 81–84; Figure 3.7 visually checked. Wider report not fully reviewed. Retrieved October 26, 2026.