What every worker wants? Evidence about employee demand for learning

an article by Jeanette Findlay (University of Glasgow) and Patricia Findlay and Chris Warhurst (University of Strathclyde) published in British Educational Research Journal Volume 38 Number 3 (June 2012)

Abstract

In order to boost learning, recent UK governments have invested in trade union-led workplace learning. Investing in the supply of learning is useful but ignores the demand for learning by workers, about which there is little research.

This paper addresses this lacunae by analysing worker demand for learning, which workers want learning, what learning is demanded and why, and what factors might best lever learning.

Data come from two surveys of potential learners and union learning representatives. Findings reveal a large demand for learning and that unions can lever this learning. Findings also suggest further policy development to address problems associated with union-led learning.

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