The predominance of work-based training in young graduates' learning

Everett, Glyn; Brooks, Rachel

Abstract

This article draws upon results from an ESRC-funded research project exploring young graduates' attitudes to, and experiences of, further education or learning postgraduation. Respondents' narratives indicated a strong emphasis upon job-based learning, or training, over and above an oft-stated desire to do further study 'for its own sake'. Whilst the majority of graduates expressed contentment with their work-leisure-education balance, a significant number also marked up a desire for 'leisure-learning' which was not 'yet' possible due to the demands of work and work-based training. This prompts questions about how we, and the graduates, conceptualise the 'use' of having a degree in an era of higher education massification, exploring issues of 'generic' skills and personal growth. It also raises questions about the role and function of wider 'lifelong learning' practices for those in their twenties, as well as the status of the work-leisure-education balance of young professionals, and whether this encourages or discourages efforts to develop a 'learning society'.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Feb 1, 2008
• Deposit Date: Jun 26, 2013
• Journal: Journal of Education and Work
• Print ISSN: 1363-9080
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-9435
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 61-73
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080801956966
• Keywords: lifelong learning, training, young adults, higher education, leisure
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1014262
• Publisher URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cjew20
• Contract Date: Nov 15, 2016