Soft Structures, Hard Outcomes

Headline findings of the NIACE Survey on Learning at Work

This survey carried out by the NIACE in association with researchers from the University of Leicester, has important messages for policy makers and workplace trainers alike. Its key finding is that for most people in the workplace study for qualifications is seen as preparatory to doing a job, not as a driver for learning on the job. The survey suggests that activities more closely associated with the workplace - such as doing the job, being shown techniques by colleagues, engaging in self-reflection and active observation - can be of more help to employees in raising their performance than attending training courses or acquiring qualifications. One in four employees (26%) reported that training courses were of little or no value in improving work performance and around one in three (32%) thought that studying for qualifications had not helped them at work.

The full report can be downloaded below.

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