The provided charts illustrate the motivations for pursuing further education across five age demographics and the corresponding levels of employer support received. Overall, there is a clear inverse relationship between age and career-focused study, whereas interest-based learning gains popularity as students get older. Employer support is highest for the youngest cohort and generally trends downwards thereafter.
Regarding reasons for study, the youngest group (under 26) is overwhelmingly motivated by career prospects at 80%, compared to only 10% for interest. This career-driven trend persists but weakens with age, dropping to 70% for those aged 26-29 and 58% for those aged 30-39. By the 40-49 age bracket, the motivations are evenly split at 41% each. Conversely, for those over 49, interest becomes the primary reason for study at 70%, while career goals account for only 19%.
Employer support, encompassing time off and financial assistance, is most prevalent for the youngest students at 64%. This figure steadily declines to 51% for the 26-29 group and reaches a low of 34% for those aged 30-39. Interestingly, support levels recover slightly for older groups, rising to 38% for those aged 40-49 and 45% for those over 49.