Getting closer: workplace guidance for lifelong learning

Abstract

The purposes of this article are twofold. First, it considers the policy links between guidance and lifelong learning, highlighting in particular the implications of findings from a recent study by the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD). Secondly, it critically compares two approaches to workplace guidance about education and training, drawing upon evaluations of various initiatives organized by trade unions and employers in Denmark and the UK. These evaluations are based on qualitative data collected from in‐depth interviews with those responsible for organizing and giving the guidance, as well as those who received it. Five interviews were conducted with recipients of guidance in each country, either face‐to‐face or by telephone, using a semi‐structured interview schedule. The conclusions suggest some issues that need to be addressed by guidance practitioners and policy makers, including employers and trade unions.

Acknowledgement

This study draws upon findings from a transnational research project, Workplace guidance for low‐paid workers, supported by the Leonardo da Vinci programme of the European Union (EU), which evaluated some case studies of workplace guidance (for full details see www.gla.ac.uk/wg). The views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect those of the EU.

Notes

Robert Turner is a Lecturer in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, University of Glasgow (St Andrews Building), 11 Eldon St., Glasgow G3 6NH, Scotland. His research interests include educational guidance for adults and the history of liberal adult education in Scotland. Email: [email protected]

Peter Plant is Associate Professor at the Danish University of Education, 101 Emdrupvej, DK‐2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. He works as a consultant in European research teams on career development and career guidance. Currently, he is Vice‐President of the International Association of Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG). Email: [email protected]

Peter Plant is Associate Professor at the Danish University of Education, 101 Emdrupvej, DK‐2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. He works as a consultant in European research teams on career development and career guidance. Currently, he is Vice‐President of the International Association of Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG). Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

PETER PLANT

Robert Turner is a Lecturer in the Department of Adult and Continuing Education, University of Glasgow (St Andrews Building), 11 Eldon St., Glasgow G3 6NH, Scotland. His research interests include educational guidance for adults and the history of liberal adult education in Scotland. Email: [email protected] Peter Plant is Associate Professor at the Danish University of Education, 101 Emdrupvej, DK‐2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. He works as a consultant in European research teams on career development and career guidance. Currently, he is Vice‐President of the International Association of Educational and Vocational Guidance (IAEVG). Email: [email protected]