Expanding Learning in the Workplace : The Relationship Between Work Organisation, Workplace Pedagogy and Better Practice

Learning in the workplace can bring economic, social, and personal benefits.

However, to build upon, improve and extend such learning places significant demands on everyone involved from individuals and employers to government and its agencies. So how can learning be fostered, improved and increased in the workplace? Drawing on illustrations from recent research, this policy discussion paper explores how access to and participation in learning in the workplace can be enhanced for all and how the workplace can play a key role in the nation's plans for greater learning participation. The paper argues that an understanding of and support for teaching and learning has to lie at the heart of a new workforce development strategy.

It explores the implications of an expansive approach to workplace learning and how to create the institutional capacity to support it.

In conclusion the authors make a series of recommendations towards formulating a policy framework which will allow both employees and organisations to reach their full potential. Lorna Unwin is Professor in Vocational Education and Alison Fuller Senior Research Fellow, at the Centre for Labour Market Studies, University of Leicester.