Jobs and Skills Australia has released a new Insights paper examining the important role employers play in supporting lifelong learning and workforce capability.
The paper explores how employer investment in learning helps build a productive and adaptable workforce by supporting employees to develop their skills throughout their careers. It also highlights the role of well-designed jobs and workplace practices in creating opportunities for people to apply and grow their skills at work.
As technology, demographic change and shifts in the economy continue to reshape Australia’s labour market, employer investment in learning is becoming increasingly important. In light of this, JSA has identified opportunities to strengthen the evidence base in this area, helping to support more informed policy development and ongoing monitoring of Australia's skills system.
The paper finds that work-related learning remains a major part of Australia’s skills system. Most work-related training is free or employer-paid, most learning takes place during work hours, and employers support workforce capability through a combination of formal, unaccredited and informal learning. However, learning participation is not increasing beyond historical levels, despite growing evidence of the need for workers to continually update their skills.
The research also highlights that the quality, relevance and application of learning often matter more than the amount of training delivered. Learning that is aligned with workplace needs is more likely to build skills, improve productivity and support career progression.
Download the full paper for more insights.
