NIACE: Basic skills courses beneficial for adults

16:45 7th April 2009

An expert has responded to criticism of adult basic skills courses by saying that they are beneficial to people taking them on.

Alan Tuckett, chief executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), responded to criticism from Anna Vignoles, professor of education and director of the Institute of Education.

Ms Vignoles previously argued that basic skills courses for adults are a waste of money, but Mr Tuckett responded by saying that the courses form an important part of "a learning journey".

Mr Tuckett said: "There is an issue about fairness, justice and equality and if we fail people first time round by not providing them with the skills base they need for adult life, then we have to do something about it."

He added that adults lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills - numbering some 12 million in the UK – could not be simply "written off" because the skills in question are better taught during childhood.

Basic skills courses could help adults seek a career change or perhaps pursue computer training.

The existing Skills for Life strategy has benefitted hundreds of thousands of adults, according to NIACE.