Introduction

This chapter provides a brief introduction to over 90 ideas for workplace learning. Many of these ideas may be used either as part of a training programme or as standalone activities to promote individual or team learning. The chapter does not include any tips for trainers, as its aim is to provide a general overview of different approaches to learning and development in the workplace.

The concept of workplace learning received a boost through the rise in popularity of the 70:20:10 model of development, which is described in Chapter 2. The basic idea behind the 70:20:10 framework is that 70% of learning takes place in the workplace through dealing with challenging activities; 20% of learning involves learning from colleagues; and 10% is based on courses and reading.

The topics in this chapter are organized alphabetically and provide busy trainers and managers with more than 90 ideas for workplace learning. Where appropriate, ideas are cross-referenced to relevant chapters earlier in the book.

Many of the ideas presented here are relevant to trainers who want to keep their knowledge and skills up to date. My own approach is to read professional journals, keep an eye on my favourite blogs (see Blogs below), attend an occasional conference (often online) or webinar, engage in challenging projects and talk to practitioners and delegates who attend my training events.

Example 8.1 Keeping training relevant and up to date – the perspective of an independent trainer