Blending work and learning: the impact of a workplace learning programme on the low-skilled and long term unemployed

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace learning programme on the low-skilled and long term unemployed. The paper evaluates improvements in skills and attitudes from the workers perspective. Design/methodology/approach – The paper builds on current literature in the area to design and evaluate a workplace learning programme. Quantitative and qualitative data are used to evaluate staff perceptions. Findings – Findings indicate that providing a mix of workplace learning, and focused academic content can have an extremely positive impact on the skill-set and mind-set of low-skilled and long term unemployed workers. The effect of this is that workers are more likely to apply for further educational and employment opportunities. Practical implications – Findings reinforce the view that an integrated approach to tackling long-term unemployment and the up-skilling of workers may be more effective than providing employment initiatives alone. Originality/value – While statistics on long term unemployment and the vulnerability of low-skilled workers are widely available right across the EU, there is a comparative lack of literature around initiatives designed to tackle these problems, and even less which incorporates the views of workers themselves. This paper provides a unique look at the implementation of a workplace learning programme and its impact on staff.