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CHAPTER 9
Changing patterns of guidance, learning and careers of older workers in Europe 173

Table 9.4. Use of past work experience in current or last job

N %
Almost none 16 5
A little 37 12
A lot 123 42
Almost all 109 37
This is my first job 11 4
N=296 296 100

Source: Authors.

Table 9.5. Use of formal qualifications in current or last job

N %
Almost none 28 10
A little 70 24
A lot 108 36
Almost all 84 28
I have no formal qualifications 6 2
N=296 296 100

Source: Authors.

9.2.2. Importance of personal agency
Our sample of older workers was in the main well-qualified, in employment
(often engaged in challenging work) and had opportunities for learning and
development associated with their jobs. Most demonstrated very positive
actions and attitudes towards learning in a wide variety of forms, including on-
the-job training; self-directed learning inside or outside the workplace; learning
from networks, working with clients; learning through life experience; learning
through work by carrying out challenging tasks; learning from others at work;
and learning through participating in seminars and conferences (Brown et al.,
2010). The reasons they took part in training and learning activities were
primarily related to skill development and personal development – many of