Learning while working: success stories on workplace learning in Europe

This report presents an overview of key trends in adult learning in the workplace in Europe. It takes stock of previous research carried out by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) between 2003 and 2010 and identifies key topics for adult learning: governance and the learning regions; social partner roles in lifelong learning policies; training in small and medium enterprises (SMEs); cost-sharing mechanisms to support continuing training; vocational education and training (VET) teacher and in-company trainer emerging roles; changing competence requirements and professional development; older workers' learning needs; lifelong guidance; and validation of non-formal and informal learning. The report recognises the central role of the workplace in lifelong learning and employment strategies. In this report, four driving forces for adult learning policies and strategies at the European, national, regional and sectoral level are discussed: (1) public strategies that combine a range of support measures, services and incentives with the aim of both widening access to learning opportunities in the workplace and increasing adult participation in education and training, with guidance and counselling playing a fundamental role; (2) the social partners' contributions to developing and expanding learning provision in the workplace; (3) sectoral initiatives and partnerships led by enterprises, in which skill development is a means to stimulate innovation in enterprises and economic growth, and to anticipate and manage sectoral changes and restructuring, with a specific focus on SMEs; and (4) the professional development of in-company trainers, to expand the quality and relevance of skill development initiatives for the workforce. The report concludes that widening learning opportunities in the workplace does not require only that continuing training opportunities are increased and better tailored to the needs of both employees and employers, but also that working practices in enterprises are transformed in a way that stimulates learning. It is equally important to offer workers opportunities to develop their competences and to make sure that these are later applied on the job and beyond. Show less