The first bar chart compares different age groups of students in terms of whether they study for career or interest.

The second chart illustrates employer support per age group.

Overall, a higher percentage of students under 40 study to further their careers, whereas most over 50s study for interest.

Those aged under 26 receive most support from employers.

Although 80% of students under 26 study for career reasons, this proportion declines steadily to 70% of those aged 26-29 and just under 60% for the 30-39 age group.

Of those students aged 40-49, 40% study for their career while the same proportion study for interest.

However, 70% of those aged 50 or above study for interest, compared with less than 20% who pursue career-related studies.

The age group with the highest percentage of employer support are those under 26.

Over 60% of these students are supported by employers, although the figure is still high for the 26-29 year-olds, half of whom receive employer support.

In contrast, the lowest proportion of students who benefit from support by employers are the 30-39 age group, at only 35%.

However, of those students aged 40-49 and over 50, 38% and 45% respectively receive employer support.