ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the workplace as a learning environment and considered how one's past experiences, attitudes and learning can influence the process of skills development and professional formation. The chapter focus on experience, knowledge and awareness of practice skills before work-based learning begins. Being aware of one's own professional skills and role allows for more effective partnership working, which ultimately benefits the service and its users. Supervision expectations, workplace dynamics and the importance of developing professional relationships were considered. Workplace learning will be most effective if the student is motivated, manages their time well, can make the links between theory and practice, uses reflection as an aid to professional and skills development and is an effective communicator. The Introducing, Preparing, Acting, Consequence (IPAC) model is a useful tool to help with structured planning and preparation and it is useful to getting to know one's supervisor and colleagues within the working team.
