Economic returns to education and training for adults with low numeracy skills
Authors:
Lynne Gleeson
Publication date:
21 December 2005
Publication type:
Research report
Themes:
Teaching and learning > Literacy/numeracy > General
Industry and employers > Investment in training > Return on investment
Students and individuals > Learner groups > Adult learners
Students and individuals > Student achievements and outcomes > Other outcomes
ISBN:
1 921169 97 4 print; 1 921169 02 8 web
The idea that individuals,enterprises and economies gain financially from increased participation in education or training is often assumed, but is not always easy to demonstrate or quantify. This report explores the benefits of further training for people with low levels of numeracy by analysing Australian and United States longitudinal data which allow links to be made between numeracy level, likelihood of training participation and the wages outcomes of training for less numerate workers. Analysis of the Australian data indicates that individuals with low numeracy skills are less likely to undertake further education, but gain positive and significant economic returns when they do. Continuing with formal schooling is positive and significant for individuals with very low numeracy skills.
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