Workplace learning as an investment in human capital

Hong Kong Conventional & Exhibition Centre

The paper considers, on the basis of the theory of human capital, in what sense the various agents involved in work-based learning perceive the on-the-job learning period in vocational upper secondary education as an investment-like activity driven by expectations of longterm benefits held by individuals, enterprises and society. The focus of the paper is an empirical survey of Finnish students, teachers, company managers and workplace trainers participated in a work-based learning pilot project. Students believe that their stay in working life improves their employment prospects, enterprises do not incur any additional costs, and workplace trainers and teachers are coping with their changing duties and roles.