This study investigates some of the kinds of formal and informal workplace training activities that workers in different parts of Canada and the United Kingdom engage in.

The authors group the study’s findings under three main themes. The first describes the range of formal workplace programs in both countries that employees with low literacy have participated in. The second highlights the main types of informal learning activities, including observing more knowledgeable coworkers; practising without supervision; searching independently for information; mentoring and coaching; and focused workplace discussions.

The third theme describes some of the determining factors of the informal learning process.

The authors suggest that company-sponsored workplace and essential skills programs act as catalysts for further learning at work. As well, findings seem to indicate that various forms of self-directed learning and the organizational context may play an important role.