- Title
- Old dogs, new tricks : Training mature-aged manufacturing workers
- Creator
- Smith, Erica; Smith, Andy; Selby Smith, Chris
- Date
- 2010
- Type
- Journal article
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/60442
- Identifier
- vital:3355
- Identifier
-
https://doi.org/10.1108/13665621011053190
- Identifier
- ISSN 1366-5626
- Abstract
- Purpose – This paper aims to examine the employment and training of mature-aged workers, so that suggestions for improving training for mature-aged workers may be offered. Design/methodology/approach – Six expert interviews were carried out by telephone, and three case studies involving company site visits were completed. Each company case study involved interviews with managers, trainers and mature-aged workers. The study was confined to the manufacturing industry. Findings – Mature-aged workers bring many advantages to workplaces and some employers show a definite preference for them over younger workers; but in some cases training needs to take account of lack of confidence and literacy and health issues. However, there is great diversity among mature-aged workers. Research limitations/implications – The research is confined to shop-floor workers in manufacturing, and does not address training of mature-aged managers and professionals. The research is small-scale but provides new insights, and importantly the voices of the workers themselves. Practical implications – The paper identifies managerial and training practices that can immediately be implemented. Originality/value – The paper identifies some issues that can be taken up at a policy level as well as within companies. For example, the preference for qualification-based training at a national level is not necessarily consistent with what mature-aged workers prefer.
- Publisher
- Emerald
- Relation
- Journal of Workplace Learning Vol. 22, no. 5 (2010), p. 277-291
- Rights
- Copyright Emerald
- Rights
- Open Access
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- 1503 Business and Management; Australia; Manufacturing industries; Older workers; Training; Workplace learning
- Full Text
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