ABSTRACT
Understanding the way people learn through participation at work is important for deciding how to best structure workplace learning experiences. Drawing on studies of learning in workplaces, this chapter identifies and discusses those factors likely to promote the development of expert performance at work and also those likely to hinder its development. The strengths and weaknesses of learning at work are identified, using evidence drawn largely from a series of research projects that specifically aimed to understand learning in the workplace and how it might be improved. The contributions of workplaces to learning vocational practice can be classified broadly as those associated with the activities individuals engage in and those related to the support and guidance they receive while undertaking work activities. Work that is more commonly practised, such as trade work (e.g. fitters, hairdressers, plumbers) may provide a greater range of opportunities for application and transfer.
