The ninth Learning at Work Day (LAW Day) on 24 May was one of the biggest and best yet and the launch, on the eve of LAW Day, captured the buzz of the campaign perfectly. Speakers Neil Robertson from the Skills for Life Strategy Unit, Chris Banks of the Learning and Skills Council, Jane Ellis from Ufi and UK Skills Envoy Sir Digby Jones joined guests from workplaces and learning organisations. Phil Hope MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills, commented, ‘Learning At Work Day is now a highlight in the annual skills calendar and a valuable opportunity for us all to see and hear about the successes of individuals and employers from all over the country who have taken up the challenge of learningat work.The workplace is an ever changing environment. We need to ensure employers and employeesalike get the best advice and training available. This is why we are investing inthe national employer service Train to Gain andnew Learner Accounts to provide flexible learning packages designed and delivered in waysto fit with people’s needs and lives.’
Big names such as BT, Sainsbury’s and WH Smiths, and public bodies including NHS Trusts joined in the fun on Learning at Work Day, putting on activities as diverse as e-learning tasters, salsa dancing, and dry stone walling, with the aim of engaging learners and offering them opportunities to progress into other learning. Once again, Skills for Life learning was a dominant theme for LAW Day. For some of the thousands of employees who took part, it was the first time since school that they have taken part in organised learning. The Campaign for Learning believes the Day’s more informal approach, which makes these first steps an enjoyable experience, is vital to capture the interest of learners who have had negative experiences and grow their confidence to take up further learning.
Next year’s Learning at Work Day is already set for Thursday 22 May with a main theme of sustainable workplaces. To find out more visit http://www.learningatworkday.com/