Moments of Possibility: An Exploration of Adult Participation in Work-based Learning. (1st September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Edwards, Kelly
• Is Part Of: Widening participation and lifelong learning. Volume 15:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2013-09-01
• Subjects: Adult education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Adult education -- Periodicals; Continuing education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Continuing education -- Periodicals; 374.005
• DOI: 10.5456/WPLL.15.4.65
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-6529

Abstract

This paper explores the factors which influence working adults to participate in work-based learning at higher education level. It draws upon the results of a small-scale study which provides qualitative analysis of the factors which influenced participation in the South Wales Valleys, UK. This area has been the focus of significant political attention in recent years. In 2010, the Universities Heads of the Valleys Institute (UHOVI) was officially launched as a tool for social and economic regeneration of the region. The study takes Gorard and Rees' (2002) concept of 'learning trajectories' and Fuller's (2007) 'choice biographies' as its theoretical framework. The data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with work-based learning students. The findings reveal that whilst there is a plethora of factors which affect participation based on previous experiences and individual circumstances, the work situation provides the primary impetus to improve self-efficacy in the workplace. The wider personal benefits to participation in relation to learning for work are highlighted. This has implications for widening participation initiatives in terms of curriculum development and the role of higher education institutions in publicising and engaging with non-traditional working adults.