Rural Employer Perspectives on Adult Learner Achievement in the United States

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Rural Employer Perspectives on Adult Learner Achievement in the United States
Language: English
Authors: Yamini Bellare (ORCID 0000-0002-3323-5872), Adam R. Smith (ORCID 0000-0003-4857-9368), Kelcee Cochran, Samuel Garcia-Lopez
Source: Journal of Adult and Continuing Education. 2024 30(2):395-412.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 18
Publication Date: 2024
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Rural Areas, Adult Education, Employers, Employer Attitudes, Adult Students, Higher Education, Job Training, Job Skills, Administrator Attitudes, Success, Access to Education, Employees, Barriers, Reentry Students
Geographic Terms: Indiana
DOI: 10.1177/14779714241263781
ISSN: 1477-9714
1479-7194
Abstract: Higher education opens doors to job enhancement and economic benefits to adult learners. Despite facing multiple barriers such as life-work-school time conflicts and financial constraints, adult learners continue to seek higher education and certifications. Rural employers also benefit from supporting degree completion or job-specific certifications because it allows them to attract and retain highly skilled employees. The goal of the current study was to qualitatively analyze data gathered from focus group interviews of senior managers. The results provide insights into how rural employers in the United States use employee education programs to reduce barriers to adult learner success. The importance of a bilateral relationship between institutions of higher education and employers to support adult learners is discussed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1444625
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Higher education opens doors to job enhancement and economic benefits to adult learners. Despite facing multiple barriers such as life-work-school time conflicts and financial constraints, adult learners continue to seek higher education and certifications. Rural employers also benefit from supporting degree completion or job-specific certifications because it allows them to attract and retain highly skilled employees. The goal of the current study was to qualitatively analyze data gathered from focus group interviews of senior managers. The results provide insights into how rural employers in the United States use employee education programs to reduce barriers to adult learner success. The importance of a bilateral relationship between institutions of higher education and employers to support adult learners is discussed.
ISSN:1477-9714
1479-7194
DOI:10.1177/14779714241263781