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Social dialogue for adult learning 63

While the next two chapters address employer contributions to skill de-
velopment, and challenges facing SMEs and company restructuring proc-
esses, here trade union activity was discussed as an important feature of
workplace learning. Union representatives are helping members to access
learning opportunities and to overcome barriers to learning, and progression
at work. They can often reach those who cannot or will not use conven-
tional training or career guidance services or who do not wish to disclose
their learning or training needs to managers or to their employer. Although
much trade union activity has been targeted at low-skilled workers, these
experiences could also be extended to mid-skilled workers. They confirm
the importance of advice and guidance prior to engaging in learning, and
the centrality of social partner commitment to lifelong learning strategies,
through joint projects and collective agreements. Social dialogue should
also aim at securing the entitlement to validation of learning, skill develop-
ment and career guidance and counselling in key working life transitions
and beyond.