With Learning at Work Week 2025 running from 12th – 18th May 2025, Kerry Birchall, who manages Adult Learning at University College Isle of Man (UCM) explores the importance of fostering a culture of Lifelong Learning in the workplace.
Lifelong learning, upskilling, microlearning and Continued Professional Development (CPD) aren’t new terms, but in the current employment landscape, learning in the workplace has never been more important.
The professional landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by technological innovations and changing job requirements. According to Dell Technologies, by 2030, 85% of jobs that will exist have not yet been invented. This shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but it underscores the need for adaptability and continuous skill enhancement. For employers, it highlights the need to prioritise lifelong learning to enable staff to stay relevant and competitive, have a workforce that will meet future requirements and remain engaged with the organisation.
As well as selecting upskilling that is directly linked to day-to-day tasks, such as specific computer programs and equipment, there has been a strong emphasis on transferable skills (or some people like to call them soft skills) such as emotional intelligence, resilience and effective communication.
Not only are we seeing a shift in what people, and employers want to learn, we’re also seeing trends in how people want to learn. Shorter courses, bitesize learning and microlearning options make upskilling less demanding to balance alongside day-to-day responsibilities. Additionally, while there is a big desire for online learning, we shouldn’t underestimate the value that face-to-face training has, particularly in people-based and more vocational areas.
Bespoke training that not only meets the needs of the employer but also supports the aspiration and wellbeing needs of the individual employees, is a great way to reassure employees of their value within the organisation.
While some organisations already embrace continuous development, the importance of lifelong learning means that it is crucial for organisations to foster a culture of development, and support employees to enhance skills for both their current roles and the requirements of tomorrow.
Encouraging employees to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals around development can enhance career trajectories by providing clear benchmarks for success. Linking those objectives, and the learning, to career progression will be beneficial.
By creating an environment that supports continuous learning and professional growth, organisations can ensure their workforce remains agile and prepared for future challenges, and staff remain engaged with them as an employer.
Learning at Work Week is an ideal opportunity to pause, review our own and staff development plans, and find ways to foster a culture of lifelong learning.