Work-Based Learning

Origins

In simple terms, work is a productive activity undertaken by an individual or group of people to achieve worthwhile outcomes. It may or may not be remunerated. It can be understood in its widest sense to include the multitude of ways in which people act purposefully in the world. It is interesting to note that we often identify ourselves through our work, and the workplace can teach us a lot about ourselves. Work can be the place where we grow, acquire new skills and develop wisdom.

WBL emerged in the last decade of the twentieth century as a way of defining and developing learning in, for and through work. There were two principal drivers in this development: (1) policy initiatives to widen access to higher education and (2) technological changes that resulted in a significant increase in the demand for knowledge in the workplace. In the new knowledge economy, intellectual capital has become the measure of organizational wealth. The workplace is no longer just a site of economic production but also of knowledge creation.

No longer can business or the public sector rely on skills training alone to equip their workforce. Knowledge has become an essential aspect of work, with the consequence that we are witnessing a shift from training to learning in the workplace. This is more than a semantic difference. Staff development is no longer just about the transfer of skills but also the development of an attitude of inquiry that is open to fresh ideas and innovation. Learning in, for and through work has become an essential part of the productive ecosystem, which must adapt to meet the needs of the people involved in it and the organizations that embrace it. Knowledge has become a dynamic commodity, and new ways of recognizing and enhancing it are needed in the global marketplace. The workforce is also becoming more mobile, and individuals are looking for transferable qualifications.

...