and in alternation with work. In this context, life-long learning includes all training activities on-the-job, off-the job, formal, non-formal and informal learning82 and re-training. Furthermore, lifelong learning must be understood as all learning activity undertaken throughout life, with the aim of improving knowledge, skills and competencies within a personal, civic, social and/or employment-related perspective’.83 In more flexible public sector organizations being characterized by more varied and longer career paths, training, re-training and life long learning will be key to maintain professional and competent organisations. However and as the following chapter will show, older employees so far participate to a much lesser degree in training activities than younger employees.
4.3.1. The need for a higher participation rate of older employees in age related training Participation of older workers in training is generally low as compared to younger colleagues. This trend bears a risk of decreasing productivity and skill gaps. Not having sufficient skills leads to stress related health problems84 and it can as well have a negative impact on retirement decisions. Table 11: Participation of different age groups in lifelong learning (%) Type of participation Further education and training, of which • In-house further education and training • Further education and training linked to a profession
19-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65-80
55
55
55
51
40
25
41
42
43
37
31
9
13
14
15
16
10
8
Self-learning85
55
53
54
56
54
10
CEDEFOP, Working and ageing, Emerging theories and empirical perspectives, Luxembourg 2010, p.38
82
Formal learning takes place in education and training institutions and leads to recognised diplomas and qualifications, non-formal learning can for instance take place on the job and within the framework of activities and organisations and does not lead to formalized certificates; informal learning is a natural complement to everyday life (and is not necessarily intentional). CEDEFOP, Working and ageing, Emerging theories and empirical perspectives, Luxembourg 2010, p.36. 83 EU Council Resolution 27 June 2002/C 163/01. 84 Presentation J. van Loo, CEDEFOP, Keeping ageing workers up-to-date, what difference does guidance and training make?, January 18, 2012, Opening conference for the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations, Copenhagen, Denmark. 85 Informal education and training
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