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
9 comments
Merissa
I have completed almost a decade of formal education across two different universities and while the learning was worthwhile for knowledge base and fundamental understanding, the knowledge I really use day to day that relates to my work was practically taught on the job. Regular Inservice’s around topics that relate to my patient care and product use are the learning that makes a difference in my field, practice and steady learning should count for more towards qualifications.
Sarah Moore
I find that workplace-based learning is instrumental to the success of the knowledge being delivered. Specifically to myself as a fire fighter as it bridges the gap between theoretical training and real-world application in high-pressure, unpredictable environments. Fire fighters face situations that demand split-second decision-making, physical endurance, and seamless teamwork, all of which are best developed through hands-on experience on the job. By learning directly in the field, new recruits and experienced personnel alike can refine their technical skills—such as hose handling, search and rescue techniques, and equipment operation—while also building situational awareness and resilience under stress. This immersive approach ensures that knowledge is not just understood but ingrained through repeated practice in realistic scenarios, ultimately enhancing safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in life-threatening situations.
Sonn
I see formal training as informative and sort of the bones of what you need to build on through workplace training.
Maria
Workplace learning needs to be backed up with the knowledge evidence first. It is through using the knowledge evidence and colleagues support in the workplace that we improve our work skills and grow professionally. Each modality of learning is needed in order for a learner to succeed.
For workplace learning to be a valuable experience for the learner all workers must follow the organisations policies and procedures to maintain consistency in the workplace
Tristan
I have both undertaken and delivered many training programs throughout my career. I have found that more value in the internal trainings that have focussed on workplace capabilities that enable staff to perform well in their roles, compared to external trainings that have vaguely focussed on qualities like ‘leadership’.
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.