Training to Learning

Transatlantic discussions and exchanges of research information have brought about the following conclusion: A shift is taking place from training to learning. Ultimately such changes are dictated by the economics of competition and delivery and the new business models that have emerged as a result. In his 2004 book Reason, Robert B. Reich, Pres Bill Clinton's Labor Secretary, argued that in developed economics only two categories of work will grow in numbers. The first will be knowledge workers who are employed in identifying and solving new problems. The second category involves personal service. The conclusion must be that, given changes in the economy, traditional classroom training courses are likely to be of limited value in the future. Informal methods of learning are more appropriate -- and a key job of the training and business professional will be to ensure that they are supported. Case studies of four companies in the area of workplace learning and training is presented.