Capable Workplaces - Work-based learning

Capable Workplaces is a new professional development concept for New Zealand organisations.

No matter what you learned at school, polytechnic or university, many people comment that their real education has taken place on the job, and through their life experiences. And employers need workers who can cope with the actual challenges they need to face in their careers. Often this means more than developing technical skills – what is needed is a culture of learning so that employees approach challenges as problems to be solved and learned from.

The staff are basically the biggest asset we’ve got and if we can develop them to make them better employees and give them personal development then it is going to motivate them [and] that’s something I’m totally committed to.

Capable Workplaces is founded on the principle that the world of work is an extremely rich learning environment. Delivered through Capable NZ at Otago Polytechnic, it combines the credibility of degrees and postgraduate qualifications with the flexibility of customised work-based programmes. Unlike traditional training models, its emphasis is on developing life-long learners who can contribute in a constructive and curious way to the ongoing development of their organisation. It’s education for work, at work, and with work.

Since its implementation in the United Kingdom, work-based learning (WBL) has revolutionised how employers develop the knowledge base within their organisations. Now Capable NZ is delighted to introduce this WBL to New Zealand as Capable Workplaces.