Summary
Lifelong Learning Week has given us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our learners who exemplify lifelong learning and share stories of those who transformed their lives through ACL Essex.
As I write this, we have just come to the end of Lifelong Learning week 2024. We’ve been sharing inspirational stories of learners who have changed the direction of their lives by learning something new, whether for self or their career. With the focus heavily on individuals I turned my thoughts to how Lifelong Learning can benefit businesses. In short, it’s crucial for driving innovation, boosting productivity, and keeping companies competitive. Lifelong Learning isn’t just a trendy phrase; it’s essential for businesses aiming for success. It’s also something I’m really passionate about. As a Lifelong learner myself I’ve achieved most of my qualifications as an adult and continue to engage in learning opportunities; every day’s a school day!
So how do businesses make lifelong learning effective? It’s about building a culture that values and prioritises learning, starting with leadership. When leaders commit to learning, it sets a precedent for the rest of the organisation. I’m a huge advocate of apprenticeships having been one myself at the age of 48 and always encourage my teams to consider them as a learning opportunity. I’m proud that so many do! Investing in staff development has really helped improve performance and boost both team and overall organisational capability.
Encouraging my team to share their expertise with each other has fostered a dynamic and collaborative environment. Peer-to-peer learning sessions, workshops, and discussion groups can break down silos and help to create a thriving workplace community, spreading knowledge and empowering each other along the way.
Cross-training is also powerful (and not just the one in the gym…my nemesis!). By exposing individuals to different roles, you can create a more versatile and adaptable workforce. This approach helps staff develop broader skills, understand the organisation better, and prepares them for promotions or leadership roles. Versatility and adaptability is invaluable especially during times of change or uncertainty.
For me, coaching and mentoring should be a key part of any lifelong learning strategy. We’ve recently embarked on reverse mentoring with some of our apprentices mentoring senior staff members – it’s been really interesting and a great way to gain alternative perspectives. Coaching can also really help individuals identify their strengths and growth areas. This is something I’m currently undertaking through my ILM membership. It’s been fascinating and is really supporting me to develop as a senior leader, I’m learning so much about myself whilst building both my confidence and professional brand.
Working within the education sector for nearly 25 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand how continuous education can transform organisations and drive growth. By fostering a learning culture, investing in mentorship, encouraging knowledge sharing, and leveraging technology, companies can equip teams with the skills and mindset needed to thrive. Embracing lifelong learning is not just a strategy; it’s a pathway to lasting success!
Find out more about our training programmes and apprenticeships at ACL, and how we can help your business grow.
Article by Amanda Rawlings, ACL Vice Principal Commercial and Employer Led Learning
