Are Russians increasingly studying for their own career advancement?

Contents:

• Methods of educating adult Russians
• What are the motives for studying?
• Who invests in their human capital more often than others?
• How relevant are the findings of this study today?

Methods of education of adult Russians

Researchers analyzed data from the "Sample survey of population participation in continuous education", which was organized by Rosstat in 2020. The next survey is expected to take place in 2025. More than 231 thousand respondents aged 15 and older took part in the study, however, for a more accurate analysis, only adult participants were taken into account, which amounted to over 215 thousand people.

During the survey, respondents learned about their educational practices over the past 12 months. The results showed that the majority, namely almost 60% of Russians over 18, have not been involved in education during the year. In addition, 27.7% of respondents reported participating in one of three types of educational activities. Self-education was engaged in by 26.4% of respondents, with the most popular (14.3%) being watching or listening to educational content. The researchers also included learning new things with the help of friends, colleagues, and family members, studying professional literature, visiting museums with a guide, and participating in educational events. Twenty-two percent of respondents attended additional educational programs and vocational training programs (in other words, continuing professional education, corporate training, and other career-oriented training). However, the most popular option (recognized by 11.4% of participants) was mandatory occupational health and safety training, a standard course for all employees. Only 3.5% participated in one-time events (trainings, master classes, professional internships), and even fewer participated in advanced training programs for specialists and for blue-collar workers and employees—2.6% and 1.5%, respectively.

Among the study participants, only 11.2% combined two types of activity: taking advanced training courses and engaging in self-education. This highlights the importance of an integrated approach to training and developing professional skills.

The authors of the study state that in 2020, educational practices, Including self-education, were not widespread. However, it can be noted that economically active adults, such as workers and students, were significantly more likely to engage in self-education unrelated to their main professional activity. This emphasizes the importance of additional education for personal and career growth.

What are the motives for studying?

As part of the study, the authors identified a number of educational practices that contribute to the development of human capital. These include a variety of activities aimed at deepening knowledge, improving qualifications, and developing the necessary skills. These practices play a key role in preparing specialists capable of adapting to changes in the labor market and effectively solving modern problems. The development of human capital occurs through active interaction with educational programs, participation in trainings and seminars, as well as through practical training. Thus, these activities not only contribute to personal growth, but also make a significant contribution to the economic development of society.

• advanced training and professional retraining;
• development of professional skills on the job under the guidance of a mentor;
• professional trainings, seminars, conferences, master classes, internships;
• study of foreign languages;
• development of IT skills;
• independent study of professional literature.

Some of these activities are related to additional professional education, while others relate to self-education. During the year preceding the statistical survey, 19.5% of economically active respondents were engaged in such activities.

The authors of the study note that the initiative for training in most cases came from the employer. At the same time, Russians often showed personal interest in learning foreign languages ​​and developing IT skills. It was for such courses that the students, as a rule, paid for themselves, which amounted to 81.2% for languages ​​and 43.2% for IT skills. This underscores the importance of professional development and self-education in today's environment.

Training is initiated by various categories of participants, and several key groups can be identified based on the percentage of respondents. An important aspect is who initiates the training. This could be either company management or employees seeking professional development. Understanding the sources of initiative allows for more effective organization of training programs and consideration of the needs of all parties. As a result, companies can achieve employee skills development and improve overall productivity.

The involvement of Russians in educational practices plays a significant role in the formation of human capital. Modern research shows that active participation in educational initiatives contributes not only to personal development but also to the country's economic growth. Educational practices aimed at improving qualifications and acquiring new knowledge become the foundation for a successful career and competitiveness in the labor market.

In a rapidly changing world, knowledge and the ability to adapt to new conditions are becoming key factors for success. Involving citizens in various educational programs helps them develop the necessary skills that meet the demands of modern society. This, in turn, contributes to the creation of a more highly skilled workforce, which is essential for sustainable economic development.

Research shows that over 70% of Russians participate in various educational activities, whether courses, seminars, or online learning. This indicates a high level of interest among citizens in self-development and professional development. Importantly, the availability of educational resources and programs also influences the level of engagement and motivation.

Thus, it can be concluded that the engagement of Russians in educational practices is a key element in the formation of human capital, which in turn contributes to the development of the country as a whole. Education should remain a priority for every citizen, as it opens new horizons and opportunities for personal and professional fulfillment.

Motivation for learning plays a key role in professional development. People often cite general goals such as "acquiring new knowledge" and "improving work performance." However, the real reason many seek to learn is to increase their salary, get a new position, or advance their career within their current position. Understanding these motives can help develop more effective educational programs and career strategies.

Who invests in their human capital more often than others?

To determine the factors influencing participation in educational activities significant for career growth, the authors examined several characteristics of the respondents.

• gender and age;
• place of residence (city or village);
• level of economic development of the region;
• industry of work and whether it involves mandatory regular training;
• place of work (legal entity or individual entrepreneur);
• availability of education in a specialty and general level of education, professional status.

The findings in this part of the study demonstrate trends in participation in continuing education. As the age of the respondents increases, a decrease in the likelihood of investing in education over the past year is observed. Also an important factor is the professional group to which the employee belongs. Managers are four times more likely to participate in educational practices than unskilled workers. This suggests that managers are more committed to learning and development than ordinary employees. Research shows that certain student characteristics have the greatest impact on learning success. People who engage in self-education more often possess a number of key qualities. First and foremost, they exhibit high motivation and a desire to learn, which contributes to their ongoing development. Furthermore, such students have well-developed self-regulation skills, allowing them to effectively manage their time and resources. They are also typically open to new ideas and willing to experiment with different learning methods, making them more flexible and adaptable. Thus, the key factors for success in learning are motivation, self-regulation, and openness to new knowledge.

• they have a higher education or education in their field of work;
• they live in cities and in economically developed regions;
• work in an industry where regular training is required.

The researchers conclude that, first of all, those for whom it is a necessary requirement in their profession develop their professional skills and knowledge.

Investments in certain projects are justified only for individuals occupying high positions in the system of industrial relations. Such investments require a deep understanding of the market and the opportunities that open up to those with sufficient influence and resources. High status in the production environment allows not only to make more informed decisions, but also to minimize the risks associated with investments.

According to the authors, most Russians are not involved in educational practices that contribute to the development of human capital. In 2020, this was the social norm in Russian society, and expecting the population to actively participate in lifelong learning on their own initiative was unrealistic. A lack of motivation and a shortage of available resources limit opportunities for improving education and professional training.

How relevant are the findings of this study today?

The situation with adult learning has changed since Rosstat conducted its statistical survey. Participants shared data on their learning over the previous year in their surveys. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a significant surge in EdTech, facilitating the launch of numerous government projects, such as "Employment Promotion" and "Digital Professions." This has also led to the emergence of numerous online higher education programs. Thus, the involvement of adults in the learning process has probably increased significantly.

We will be able to obtain accurate data only after a new wave of statistical observation. Since the 2020 study, there has been no similar large-scale data collection on adult learning. However, the results of numerous small surveys conducted over the past four years suggest that the findings of this study remain relevant.

Less than half of Russian adults report participating in additional education or self-education. According to a 2021 VTsIOM survey, only 28% of respondents reported having studied in the past year. In 2024 surveys by Rabota.ru and Talantist, this figure was 40%. More recent data from SuperJob indicates that 47% of participants have completed training. These figures highlight the need to increase interest in additional education and self-development among adults.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in educational services for adults. According to a VTsIOM survey, 28% of Russians noted that they began to engage in more education in 2022. Moscow Credit Bank recorded a twofold increase in purchases in the Education category among its clients, and MTS Bank reported a tenfold increase in transactions in the online education segment among users over 60 years old. These trends demonstrate growing demand for educational programs across various age groups, underscoring the importance of accessible and high-quality education in modern society.

The change in the adult education situation does not appear to be dramatic for several reasons. First, the increase in the number of transactions is not always accompanied by a commensurate increase in spending. The average check for courses often remains low. According to a survey conducted by Tiburon Research in the spring of 2024, about half of respondents reported purchasing courses priced at 20,000 rubles or less. This suggests that most adult learners prefer affordable options, which may hinder overall growth of the educational services market.

When it comes to IT skills, Russians are often willing to invest up to 100,000 rubles per year. However, it is worth noting that only those who initially expressed an interest in long-term education participated in this survey. At the same time, the results of a survey conducted by the Talentist project at the end of 2023 showed that half of respondents would prefer to receive additional education for free or at their employer's expense. However, only 13% are willing to finance their own education.

A third factor confirming that adult education has not become more focused on human capital development since 2020 is that students still do not perceive education as an investment in their future. In a 2022 SuperJob survey, a salary increase was one of the least frequently cited reasons for pursuing new skills. According to a 2023 Skyeng survey, motivation for learning is most often driven by fear of dismissal and other potential problems. When Russians interested in increasing their income are asked about ways to achieve this goal, only 8% of them mention obtaining additional education as an option (research data from AlfaStrakhovanie, 2023). This highlights the need to change the perception of education as an important element of personal and professional growth. Russian adults, even when striving for self-improvement, often choose only the most accessible and easy learning formats, such as reading professional literature or watching educational videos. This is confirmed by the results of a survey conducted by GeekBrains in 2023. Respondents noted that the most effective formats for them are those similar to traditional education: professional development courses, online courses, and individual lessons with teachers. However, the number of those actively studying in these formats turned out to be two to four times lower than expected. This highlights the need to create more engaging and accessible learning experiences for adults seeking professional and personal growth.