Work and Learning in the Adult Education Sector: A Cross Country Comparative View

Abstract

The adult learning sector is particularly diverse. Evidence on how its employees access workplace learning is very limited. Focussing on learning by early career teaching staff, using evidence from eight case studies across four countries (Austria, Italy, Slovakia and the UK) and different sub-fields (from providing basic skills training to corporate sector management courses), the chapter reveals that while staff have high levels of skill, their conditions vary significantly. In general, adult learning teachers’ jobs emphasise self-directed learning and professionalism, and novices’ career pathways are poorly structured. The learning-conduciveness of available work varies significantly; this cannot be attributed only to the type of services provided but also reflects organisational agency. Work organisation and human resource practices affect adult education teachers’ learning experiences, in early career and beyond.