What is the purpose of lifelong learning today? Lifelong learning is the concept that learning and opportunities can go beyond that of compulsory education, as well as traditional academic and vocational pathways. With ever-expanding economic growth and globalization, the need for new skills is more evident, and lifelong learning and adult education are believed to have become a government response to socioeconomic inequality, the financial crisis and increasing competition in within the industry both nationally and internationally. . The notion of lifelong learning also presents itself as a “trinity… of lifelong learning, learning organization and the learning of society as a whole” (Hughes and Tight 1995 cited by Tight 2010 p. 254) suggesting that lifelong learning does not They are limited to having benefits for the individual, but are in themselves part of a much larger picture in the development of society. That said, with a youth unemployment rate of 21% and a national unemployment rate of 7.7% (Parliament statistics, 2013). It is worth asking whether or not the measures in place for lifelong learning are significant enough to address the growing issues in Britain. With these principles in mind, the body of this essay will examine and discuss lifelong learning as it pertains to the 14-19 year old demographic and explore the opportunities and barriers generated in the contemporary provision and practice of lifelong learning. The years from 14 to 19 are the transition phases of a student from the end of the compulsory study path based on the guidelines established by the national curriculum, to other learning styles that facilitate the paths towards higher education, training, employment and further lifelong learning. This enables students to acquire the necessary......half of paper......required in relation to available skills leading to reduction of income inequality and social cohesion compared to rival economies such as China and India ( Teaching and Learning Research Programme, 2008.) The idea that a successful knowledge/skills-based economy depends on a significant proportion of the workforce having a university degree or equivalent, as well as increased access to opportunities within the lifelong learning sector, participation numbers must increase to reflect this benefit for both individuals and society as a whole. In conclusion, expanding the horizons and aspirations of the British population, as well as the opportunities available to achieve these new goals, is a priority on the government agenda as lifelong learning is apparently one of the answers to the economic and social deficit facing Great Britain Brittany.