Workers are thinking to the future and embracing adult education, according to a study.
The seriousness of the economic slowdown could be making workers more determined to perform well at work, by improving their skills, according to new research.
The University and College Union (UCU) study claimed eight million adults in England are looking to better themselves in this way over the next year.
Undertaken on behalf of the Association of Colleges, the research found 21 per cent of adults have promised themselves they will gain new qualifications over the next 12 months.
A third of these cited wanting to upgrade their skills during the economic downturn.
UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: "With millions of adults looking to retrain during this economic downturn, it is more vital than ever that there is a broad range of courses in place for them to do so."
Courses adult learners could enrol on include workplace training programmes, college courses and e-learning.
UCU called for the government to place the control of adult learning into the hands of the learners themselves, noting that adult education budgets have been targeted at employer-led initiatives.
Direct.gov, however, encourages people to take control of their personal development and suggests there are many places to get free advice on how to do this.
"Learning can be enjoyable and it's a great way to catch up on anything you missed out on at school - or prepare for your next career move," the website states.
It also says people often do not recognise the value of skills they have picked up while working and suggests adult education is a good way of recognising and formalising this knowledge.
Thinking of taking the first step towards learning? See learners describe their experiences, to see what to expect.