Introduction

The idea that learning is a central component to organizational efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness has become increasingly widespread in recent years. It is almost as common for employers and trade unionists to be discussing lifelong learning as it is for educators. While lifelong learning itself is not a new notion, earlier foci were primarily on its contribution to personal development, nation-building for post-colonial states and citizenship. While the role of lifelong learning in relation to work and the economy has always been an important concern among certain groups, it is only in relatively recent years that it has become commonplace as a concept.