A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that eight in 10 Brits feel the lessons gained in the 'university of life' are more important than those taught in formal education.
The study, commissioned by Samsung, found that 67% of people believe their most useful skills were learned outside the classroom.
Charlie Nordfeldt from Samsung UK and Ireland said: "We know learning doesn’t stop when formal education ends.
"From mastering a recipe to managing money or developing a new skill for work, people are constantly finding new ways to tackle the unfamiliar."
What skills have people picked up after leaving full-time education?
On average, respondents said they have picked up 22 new skills since leaving full-time education.
These include managing money (60%), preparing for job interviews (56%), using new technology (55%), and cooking a meal from scratch (48%).
The research was carried out to mark the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S12 Series, which features Note Assist to help summarise notes and support learning.
Many adults remain eager to keep learning, with 16% wanting to improve their DIY skills, 13% interested in car maintenance, and another 13% hoping to get better at household repairs.
A large majority - 77% - wish they had been taught more practical skills during their school years, while 85% said that learning through real-life experience has given them knowledge formal education never could.
Most people (87%) said they only learned a new skill because they suddenly needed to know how to do something on their own.
The most common triggers for learning new skills included starting a new job (27%), moving out (26%), buying a home (29%), or dealing with an unexpected problem or emergency (37%).
Despite these challenges, 64% said they feel confident teaching themselves new skills as they navigate adulthood.
Nearly nine in 10 (87%) agreed that learning is a lifelong process.
How do people try to learn new skills?
When it comes to picking up new abilities, half of the respondents turn to online tutorials or videos, while 36% use digital tools.
Meanwhile, 89% admitted to searching online for instructions about something they felt they "should already know," and more than half (56%) have used an app or digital tool to help them learn.
Trial and error was also highly valued, with 46% relying on it, and 50% saying they've learned more from making mistakes and trying again than from advice given by others.
Do you agree with the results? Let us know in the comments.
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