EXPERIENCES OF WORKPLACE LEARNING IN SMES: LESSONS FOR GOOD PRACTICE
This report presents the findings from a research and development study (REALISE) which examined learning opportunities and experiences in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). It is part of the EU Objective 3 Managing Progress Programme. The study involved collaboration between the Centre for Research in Education, Inclusion and Diversity (CREID) at the University of Edinburgh, Glasgow South West Regeneration Agency (GSWRA) and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA). It took place over a period of two and half years, starting in July 2005 and ending in December 2007.
Its main aims were to:
• identify the learning opportunities and materials provided to SMEs by the two learning providers; and,
• examine the experiences of employers and employees when engaging with training providers and undertaking training.
GSWRA and the WEA were responsible for identifying the training needs of the SMEs and the delivery of appropriate training to meet these needs. CREID evaluated the training provided in terms of its contribution to the development of individual employees and organisations.
