In the learning society learning is lifelong

Learning on-the-job has for a long time been perceived as low-class and non-academic (Barnum, 1997). However, Malick and Stumph (1998) uphold John Dewey’s view that learning is a lifelong process rather than isolated, unrelated occurrences. According to Hodkinson and Bloomer (2002) work-based learning and lifelong learning are in the United Kingdom perceived as closely related. Morton-Cooper and Palmer (2000) indicate that lifelong learning is rhetoric devised to manage the information society. Learning is advocated as a lifelong process and part of the strategic investment in society. The related idea of a learning society assumes a willingness of society to learn.

During the mid-1980s work-based learning was described as any learning linked to the requirements people's work role (Brennan & Little, 1996). The key reasons then underlying the interest in work-based learning were fourfold:

1. increased investment in human capital due to economic restructuring and productivity changes
2. optimisation of key employee skills through process-driven strategies of training and education embedded in the production process
3. mobilisation of knowledge for continuous innovation and competitiveness; and
4. the UK’s government support for financing of continuing education by employers through work-based learning.

In the contemporary environment “where university study is increasingly expensive” (Hunt, 2006: 263) and state subsidy continually reduced “it is likely that the career success of graduates will become a defining feature of universities” (Hunt, 2006:263-4) and that the spread of work-based learning is anticipated. In 2002 the Commonwealth of Australia remarked that a combination of elements of traditional higher and of vocation education is sought after and the political will of universities to produce work-ready graduates is increasing.

Barnum, B.S. 1997. Precepting, not mentoring or teaching: vive la difference. In Flynn, J.P. (ed.). 1997. The role of the preceptor, a guide for nurse educator and clinicians. New York: Springer.

Brennan, J. & Little, B. 1996. A review of work-based learning in higher education. Sheffield, UK: Department of Education and Skills, Quality Support Centre.

Hodkinson, P. & Bloomer, M. 2002. Learning careers: conceptualizing lifelong work-based learning. In Evans, K., Hodkinson, P. & Unwin, L. (eds.) 2002. Working to learn, transforming learning in the workplace. London: Kogan Page.

Hunt, L. 2006. Authentic learning at work. In Herrington, A. & Herrington, J. 2006. Authentic learning environments in higher education. Hersey: Information Science.

Mailick, S. & Stumpf, S.A. 1998. Learning theory in the practice of management development. Westport, Connecticut: Quurum.

Morton-Cooper, A. & Palmer, A. 2000. Mentoring, preceptorship and clinical supervision: a guide to professional roles in clinical practice. 2nd edition. London: Blackwell Science.