ABSTRACT
In the context of globalization and the ‘knowledge economy’ the interest in lifelong learning in paid work has increased both in terms of formal programmes of study as well as informal learning processes. In this chapter the focus is on workers’ perspectives on learning at work and their implications for lifelong learning – a neglected dimension in the literature. If workers do not see learning at work as central to their job then developing a culture of lifelong learning in the workplace faces an uphill task. This account draws on empirical work with two different groups of workers. Whilst the majority of those interviewed did hold integrated conceptions of work and learning there were marked discrepancies in relation to age. Older workers were more likely to hold perceptions of work that would be challenging for developing a lifelong learning culture at work. Also, practical obstacles for participating in work-related learning exist, which need to be considered, and universities could have a role in tailoring their curriculum to address these difficulties.
