ABSTRACT
Since the early 1980s open learning has been increasingly used within employing organisations, both public and private. Yet this has rarely attracted the interest of researchers. This chapter explores one particular aspect of in-company provision: support for employees’ learning. It begins by describing the learner studying within what can be termed more ‘conventional’ open learning schemes, such as correspondence education and open universities: what needs have been established for such students and how are these typically met? A similar analysis is then provided for the workplace learner. The support roles potentially available within the employment context are explored and the chapter concludes with an outline of issues for research and development.
