About Workplace Learning

Learning is often thought about only as an ‘active process’, something that we have to engage with physically and mentally, or as enforced - something that’s ‘done to us’. The truth is, learning is a process that happens automatically and unconsciously: we are designed to learn and do it all the time, whether we want to or not. Everything that we take in through our senses – what we see on the TV, see on the Internet or read in papers, hear on the radio or through talking to others, by trying to learn new skills such as riding a horse or using a PC keyboard – helps us to change our opinions, find better ways of doing things, and realise what we like and are good at, or what we don’t like and aren’t good at (- and isn’t it odd how often those two seem to be linked – and that they too may change with new experiences?)

Workplace Learning can refer to any knowledge or skills gained through any interactions in the workplace that result in changes in behaviour, understanding and/or attitude. It can take place in many forms (see types of workplace learning) and can be forwarded by any advocate in the organisation; you just need to know where to start. The National Workplace Learning Network can provide you with the tools to forward learning in your workplace; all you need to do is join.