The Future of Learning and Development

Learning and Development, Training, Skills Development, Performance Management — these are more than just terms. For me, they represent a journey of growth, evolution, and continuous learning that has shaped my career and the careers of many others.

My own journey in this field began in the late 1990s when I joined the CIPD after earning my Certificate in Learning Practice. At the same time, I became accredited by the Institute of IT Training, now known as the Learning and Performance Institute (LPI), where I'm honoured to be a Fellow. ?Back in late 1980s, I was working for Control Data Corporation in London, right at the cusp of a technological revolution that would redefine how we approached learning and development.

But this journey didn’t start with me. It began as early as 598, with the establishment of the first grammar school in Canterbury, and evolved through the Industrial Revolution, where the need for skilled workers became paramount. By the 20th century, training and development had become formalised, with companies like NCR pioneering what we now know as Human Resources and corporate training.

Over the decades, L&D has transformed from classroom-based training to sophisticated, technology-driven approaches. Today, we navigate a world filled with AI, Virtual Reality, and Agile Practices. We’re learning in new ways, through different media, and in collaboration with each other across the globe.

What does this mean for us, especially with five generations working side by side? It means we need to communicate, collaborate, and support each other more than ever. We see new technologies being delivered through video and online tutorials, yet the need for human connection and guidance remains strong. As L&D professionals, it’s our responsibility to shape the future of our organisations, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.

For me, this journey is ongoing. I continue to develop training strategies, deliver impactful learning experiences, and evaluate the latest trends in our field. What I've learned is that L&D is here to stay, in whatever form it takes, because change is constant and no one ever knows it all.

Now is the time to rethink your approach to learning and development. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current L&D strategy or build a future-ready workforce, let's connect. Together, we can create a learning culture that drives performance, encourages innovation, and equips your organisation to thrive in a world of constant change.

Let's shape the future of learning, together. Get in touch to explore how we can make it happen.

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Further Reading:

Donald H. Taylor and the evolution of L&D

https://donaldhtaylor.co.uk/research_base/focus-on-ai-in-ld/

The history of learning and development: 1990-present - TrainingZone

Early History of the Fields of Practice of Training and Development and Organization Development (unl.edu)

A History of L&D: Learning From the Past to Build the Future (degreed.com)

(Education in the UK: a history - Timeline (education-uk.org))

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