Learner Expectations

• Section 1
• Challenges
• Attitudes
• Skills
• Employability
• Employer Expectations
• Learner Expectations
• Benefits
• Section 2
• Presentation
• Presenter's Support
• Section 3
• 3 Hour Workshop
• Section 4
• 3 Hour Workshop
• Section 5
• Contacts/Links

As the value of each and every worker increases in proportion to workforce demands, employers will need to address the imminent challenges facing the workplace in an appropriate and positive manner. In order to attract or retain employees, the needs of mature aged learners must be addressed with understanding, empathy and a common-sense approach. VET providers and practitioners will benefit from working closely with employers and industry in promoting a life-time perspective to employment and learning, at the same time accommodating individuals by taking into account external factors and influences, and attitudinal and cultural issues in the workforce and society. This may be achieved by integrating business-specific training with life long learning and personal development in a more holistic manner

The emphasis on design and development of 'user friendly' and accessible resources is paramount, with a focus on recognition of any prior skills or knowledge, achieved either in the workplace or through other life experiences, and a constant awareness of the distinct needs of mature aged learners

For the benefit of both the learner and the employer, VET providers and practitioners may wish to consider using training activities and materials that are:

• More flexible, responsive and demand-driven
• Succinct and detailed, tailored to the learner's work environment
• Less formal than previous 'traditional' approaches
• Preferably based in a workplace setting and tied to work requirements
• Modified to correspond with changing circumstances and opportunities within the workplace when required
• Cost effective and easily accessible to the learner
• Relevant to the learner's interest and perceived needs
• Judicious and professional in appearance and all aspects of delivery

All learning and assessment experiences should:

• Take into account all previous learning, whether formal or informal
• Foster innovation and entrepreneurship
• Involve the learner in decisions relating to the time, place, context and format of delivery and assessment
• Focus on practical 'hands on' application in the workplace
• Allow learners to achieve through small incremental steps
• Provide ample opportunity for repetition
• Place no time 'limits' on the achievement of goals

A variety of flexible pathways should be offered to extend skills and learning including:

• on-the-job learning
• coaching
• structured training opportunities

Similarly, a range of approaches from 100 PL and short modules should be on offer.

There will be an even greater need for VET practitioners to be highly skilled as developers, facilitators and assessors. This sector has a unique opportunity to contribute to changing social attitudes towards ageing and older workers through carefully considered support and innovative practices, and by developing a range of creative strategies that may assist employers in maintaining a skilled, motivated and able-bodied workforce