The charts below show the main reasons for study among students of different age groups and the amount of support they received from employers.

The bar charts compare

students

of different ages in terms of why they are studying and whether they are supported by an employer.

It is clear that

the proportion of

students

who

study

for career purposes is far higher among the younger age groups,

while

the oldest

students

are more likely to

study

for interest. Employer support is more commonly given to younger

students

. Around 80% of

students

aged under 26

study

to

further

their careers,

whereas

only 10%

study

purely out of interest. The gap between these two proportions narrows as

students

get older, and the figures for those in their forties are the same, at about 40%.

Students

aged over 49 overwhelmingly

study

for interest (70%) rather than for professional reasons (less than 20%). Just over 60% of

students

aged under 26 are supported by their employers.

By contrast

, the 30-39 age group is the most self-sufficient, with only 30% being given time off and help with fees. The figures rise slightly for

students

in their forties and for those aged 50 or more.