Page 96 - Learning-while-working-Success-stories-on-workplace-learning-in-Europe

Conclusions

Key policy messages to develop further
workplace learning

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. On-the-
job learning is dependent on the design of workplaces that support quality
work, and in which people keep active the capacity to learn, and acquire
new knowledge and skills while carrying out their working tasks and in
cooperation with others.
Employers may not be able on their own to build up working environments
that ensure both quality work and active learning. There is a need for
integrated policies bridging training, employment and innovation agendas,
as well as for pooling together different sources of expertise and resources
to devise and implement practical measures in enterprises that encourage
different forms of learning, such as continuing training and less formal on-
the-job learning. Human resources specialists, management, employee
representatives and a broad range of outside partners have a contribution
to make to efforts for transforming work processes so that they encourage
on-the-job learning, while enhancing productivity and innovation. It is also
imperative for training and education providers to adopt a customer-led
approach, to organise training in a flexible and relevant manners that meet
the needs of enterprises and employees, overcomes constraints linked to
size and work organisation, and responds to emerging skill demands and
sectoral changes.
Skills brokers and training advisers with specific knowledge of sectors
are effective in reaching employers reluctant to train, since they contact
enterprises directly, provide tailored advice, in particular to assess training
needs, determine the kind of training specific enterprises will need, in terms of
content, methodologies and organisation, find adequate training providers and