NIACE supports call for informal learning at work Wednesday, August 25, 2010 - 17:50

Welcoming Skills Minister John Hayes' call to promote informal learning at work, NIACE Deputy Chief Executive, Peter Lavender, said:

"NIACE considers this an important public statement of confidence in informal learning in the workplace. Our series of studies in participation in education and training show a consistent thread: most people say they do most of their learning in relation to work."

"We welcome the café culture concept and hope that it brings a revitalised interest in both the value of informal learning in the workplace, and in recognising the value of older people too. On current predictions the UK faces major labour shortages in the medium term, but while overall employment rates have fallen the employment rates of people over 50 have remained constant and over 60s have risen."

"The EHRC Working Better research shows clearly that a majority of working men and women over 50 want to stay in work after State Pension Age, but would prefer to do this on a more flexible basis. This is good in terms of retaining skills and expertise, and fits well with the Government agenda to extend working life as a means of reducing the dependency-ratio arising from rising life expectancy."

"If the café culture is to have a strategic impact across more companies we might see greater harvesting of learning and exchange of knowledge and skills between older and younger people in the workplace. This can only be good for learners, business and the whole of society."

Sue Southwood, NIACE's lead on Workplace Learning, added:

"Supporting the development of a Café Culture provides organisations with an excellent way to engage people in learning as it starts with the individual and follows their interests. A great example of this has been the enthusiasm from employers to buy packs of Quick Reads books and set up spaces to read. Employers are beginning to recognise the benefits of informal learning which can improve morale in the workplace and can reduce absenteeism and staff turnover. Formal training courses have their place but they should not be the only option in the workplace."