Fifth Horizontal Axis: Demand for AET

The subsequent chapter examines the demand for Adult Education and Training (AET) across Central European (CE) countries, revealing diverse levels of engagement in organised adult learning. There is a notable disparity in AET interest across Europe, with nations such as Belgium, Denmark, and the UK showing high levels of demand, in contrast to CE countries like Hungary and the Czech Republic, where interest is significantly lower. Poland stands out within the CE context, exhibiting an unusually high demand for AET, positioning it as an exception. Over the past two decades, Poland has seen a marked increase in adults pursuing AET, a development largely linked to the expansion of higher education and a resultant surge in motivation for further learning. Conversely, Czechia and Slovakia have experienced a downturn in demand, likely reflecting a closer alignment between the workforce’s skills and labour market needs. The chapter further explores the phenomenon of adults who show no interest in AET, with Poland illustrating a stark divide between high aspirations and considerable disinterest in ongoing education. This contrast, along with the diverse trends observed across CE, illustrates a complex landscape of AET demand shaped by educational attainment, labour market conditions, and prevailing attitudes towards lifelong learning.