Combining Formal, Non-Formal and Informal Learning for Workforce Skill Development.

The project reported here is about combining formal, non-formal and informal learning to develop workplace skills. It is also concerned with how such combinations are used and recognised by industry, employers, training providers and individuals. It shows how multiple variations and combinations of formal, informal and non-formal learning, accompanied by various government incentives and organisational initiatives (including job redesign, cross-skilling, multi-skilling, diversified career pathways, action learning projects, quality assurance arrangements, job rotations and mentoring programs) can be used to prepare workers to gain, maintain or progress through jobs. The project found that, apart from adopting mandated learning combinations especially required for regulated programs (including apprenticeships and traineeships), businesses and individuals make their own decisions about learning. Businesses make them according to their business needs, while individuals do so according to their particular work or life stages, their willingness to commit to learning, and formal requirements (by their managers) to undertake training. Bearing in mind that casual workers represent a substantial and alternative source of skills, it is important that organisations increase investment in learning for these groups. It is also important to provide opportunities for formal and non-formal learning for workers with lower levels of prior training. This may also require such groups to acquire basic skills for learning, including language, literacy and numeracy skills, and skills in using information and communications technology (ICT).