Unmet demand for training among mature age Australians: Prevalence, differentials and perceived causes

To explore the prevalence of unmet demand for training by mature age Australians and to identify the main barriers to accessing training.

A total of 3007 Australians aged 45-74 years were surveyed using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing. The sample frame was randomly selected and stratified based on the capital city and the rest of the state, and data were weighted to be nationally representative.

Over one-third (37%) of respondents who had worked in the past five years reported wanting to attend some form of training but were unable to; these were most likely women and those aged 45-54 year. Commonly cited reasons for not being able to attend training included not being able to fit it in with work commitments, affordability and employer reluctance.

Reduction of these barriers to workplace training can improve mature age people's ability to remain engaged in the workforce.