Home > News > May 2005 > 06-May-2005

Training for all is critical to business says survey

Recent research by the Campaign for Learning suggests that one of the key demotivators for employees is the perception that learning and training opportunities are available to others within their organisation and not them.

The findings are being highlighted as part of the build up to this year’s Learning at Work Day on 26th May. Learning at Work Day is a national awareness campaign that aims to encourage employers to offer learning opportunities to all staff.

The Campaign for Learning, which co-ordinates the day, believes all employees deserve equal opportunities, but says this is far from the reality in the workplace.

According to the Campaign for Learning, all too often staff that could benefit most from workplace learning are overlooked. They say research shows that a learning divide still persists in many organisations, with those who have few or no qualifications and older workers least likely to be offered training opportunities.

Linda Siegle, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Learning says, "This divide in training can have far reaching consequences for organisational performance. Not only do employers miss out on developing talent within their own workforce, but it can also have a detrimental effect on the business through demotivated staff. A commitment to all staff in the terms of learning is not only equitable, but makes business sense too."

"Hidden talents exist throughout organisations and learning is the way to tap into it and use it for the best advantage of the business. Recruitment from within might not just be the most cost effective solution to your skills gap, it could soon be the only solution."

And far from having to force unwilling learners back into training, the Campaign for Learning believes most employees with the support and interest would jump at the chance to learn more at work.

"Organisations that have already taken part in Learning at Work Day and put on fun taster sessions have realised how much their staff enjoy the opportunity to learn," said Siegle.

"This helps undermine the myth in the workplace that many people are not interested in learning new things. Informal, enjoyable learning which has a business benefit such as team building can help the most disengaged learner to take that first step to discovering their potential within the workforce, and improve not only their quality of working life but the performance of the organisation too."

Learning at Work Day, which takes place on the 26th May 2005, is sponsored by the Learning and Skills Council, the Department of Trade and Industry, the NHSU, Learndirect and the Get On Campaign. It is part of Adult Learner’s Week and supported by Equal ESF Funding.

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The Campaign for Learning

Learning at Work Day

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