Workplace-based learning
Learning at work is about embedding learning into daily work processes. Rich learning opportunities occur regularly on-the-job through work assignments and feedback from supervisors, coaches, mentors or peers; but the learning component is often inconsistent and inadequately planned.
The workforce of an organisation is likely to be its major operational
4 comments
Beau Maddern
Having been fortunate enough to have undertaken formal learning in the workplace as well as externally I have found them both to be positive although my experience of how they benefit has differed greatly. Regarding learning within the workplace the focus is often much more specific to that particular business or establishment with the positive outcomes more often than not applicable to that environment only and do not often seem transferable to outside equivalent workplaces, even in the same industry. An example may be of learning to operate a software system developed specifically for that business; on one hand some computer literacy may be developed but the learner is unlikely to be tasked with using those programs in another workplace and the adult learner may not be motivated, especially if they are considering moving to a new position outside. With formal learning the outcomes can be more broadly applied to the workplace as a whole ( unless specifically designed for one area ) and as such it can prepare the learner for improved options ( such as learning a software program that is industry standard ). They often compliment each other well in that external formal learning can provide a learner with a foot in the door opportunity and more specific workplace training can help develop a worker in their more defined role. To improve this hand in hand effect both methods could borrow off each other to help learners get a little more specific when involved in broader external learning while the workplace training ( while maybe not as beneficial for the provider ) could allow a bigger scope of learning to allow those receiving it to apply it on wider scale.
Katrina Tsaftaropoulos
I spent a total of 6 years at University completing a Bachelor and Master Degree – neither of which offered workplace learning. Whilst there was an enormous amount of knowledge that was covered, I find that in most of my roles, it is learning workplace practices and policies which govern the way I work, rather than the information that was gained while at University.
Throughout my time in the Community Services sector, having worked in various roles, I have been provided with “training on the job” to either upskill or to assist in applying particular knowledge to the role.
Any formal external training must be completed in our own time.
Personally I believe that it is experience I have gained in each role that has allowed me to progress in my career. I definitely see the value of “doing” something or having exposure to a real workplace, alongside the theoretical knowledge required in the Community Services Sector.
Sabrina L Palmer
I have attended learning external to work such as conferences etc. They are a great source of information however, not usually a hands on space, and usually very expensive.
When hospital working, small regular refresher sessions on subjects/policies/procedures etc were great to keep up to date.
Sarah Ison
I have undertaken lots of different learning experiences throughout my career.
Most of my experience has been in an “as you go” style while participating in lots of workshops, product educator training and competition training. The majority of my qualifications have been gained via formal learning, later in my career to venture into becoming a VET trainer. I feel that by the time I have completed my studies I will be well enough informed to be able to carry out my work tasks.