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• 'Towards a strategy for workplace learning' report

Update May 2006

Towards a strategy for workplace learning

The 'Towards a strategy for workplace learning' report was commissioned in January 2005 to inform the development of HEFCE's policy on support for workplace learning and employer engagement. The report is a national study which was undertaken alongside a regional report on Workplace learning in the North East. The term 'workplace learning' is used in both studies as a broad definition to encompass work-based and experiential learning as well as 'traditional' instruction-led learning undertaken at the workplace.

The national study aimed to identify the nature, purposes and outcomes of workplace learning; to examine the emerging changes in higher education (HE) which might impact on workplace learning, and identify structural issues that enable or inhibit workplace learning as well as future opportunities for its development.

Since the completion of the report, the Government has, in its grant letter to HEFCE [Adobe PDF 288K], indicated its interest in further strengthening links between HE and employers, particularly in the development of employer-led and employer-funded provision.

It is clear that work-based learning has a strong role to play in meeting the needs of employers and employees, and we are currently working with the Department for Education and Skills and the Learning and Skills Council in exploring how HE can be more effectively integrated into the Train to Gain scheme at a regional level. Further information regarding this will be available on our web-site later in May 2006.

We are also considering our broader approach to employer engagement, within a context of flexible lifelong learning. We are preparing a strategy for consultation which will be considered by our Board in June 2006. The issues and recommendations emerging from the workplace learning research will be considered as part of this broader strategy.

Further information about our approach to employer engagement and projects which we are supporting.