Promoting and Recognising Lifelong Learning: Introduction

Abstract

Currently, there is growing interest worldwide in lifelong learning by governments, professional bodies, employers and workers. This interest particularly relates to the ongoing learning beyond compulsory education and initial occupational preparation: that is, across working life. Much of this interest is driven by key social and economic imperatives associated with sustaining individuals' employability in the context of changing requirements of work and working life (Billett, 2006; Department of Education Science and Training, 2002; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2010). These changes include addressing significant transformations occurring within many occupations, which are accompanied by predictions that they will continue to occur across lengthening working lives for all categories of workers (Coffield, 2000; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2006). Such demands to sustain employability are placing a premium on ongoing learning through and for work, and emphasising the importance of the continuation of learning right across working life (Field, 2000). However, these concerns are not restricted to work and working life. There are also those concerns associated with individuals being able to engage in learning about cultural knowledge, and social roles and practices that arise across adulthood. For instance, some adults have become disengaged from educational provisions during or on completion of their compulsory education because of unsatisfactory schooling experiences. Despite efforts of moving to a learner-centred approach in education, classroom-based approaches may not comprise optimal learning environment for these kinds of learners, nor the kinds of content taught of interest to them. Hence, engaging with and securing recognition of their learning from work experience may assist these individuals re-engage with ongoing education and empower to engage in continuing education and training.These kinds of outcomes can be beneficial to individuals' personal growth and well-being in retirement.