Why Keeping a Record of Lifelong Learning is Crucial for Your Career

These days, staying on top of your game at work means you need to keep learning. Lifelong learning isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential. But there's a big problem if we cannot show a proper record and I don't mean simply saying that the date and the tile. Yes, proof is needed but what was the training actually for, what was covered, what wasn't. Without this, both people and companies end up wasting time and money.

Lifelong Learning: Big and Growing

Lifelong learning is huge, we know that it is all around us. In the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics, about 60% of adults take part in some sort of learning each year. And it's not slowing down. A recent LinkedIn Learning report said that 57% of employees are spending more time on learning and development than they did three years ago.

It's clear the need for ongoing education is only getting bigger. The World Economic Forum reckons that by 2025, half of all employees will need to learn new skills. Interestingly these statistics pre-date the emergence of AI. So if anything, numbers are even higher.

Even though lifelong learning opportunities are all around, it's tough for HR managers and recruiters to acknowledge this. The lack of a standard, verifiable record makes it hard to properly assess someone's skills, their abilities and learning outcomes.

A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that 75% of HR professionals struggle to verify an applicant's past training and certifications. This makes the hiring process even more inefficient.

The Cost of Doing Training Twice

When there are no good records of lifelong learning, skills already acquired cannot be transferred from one workplace to another. This is true, even within a company. Have you been sent on training that you have already done recently, simply because for whatever reason it now needed redoing? Of course, most of us have. Was this a good use of your time and company money< Companies end up paying for training twice, and employees waste time learning stuff they already know.

A report by Training Journal said that companies spend an average of ￡1,000 per employee each year on training. If prior learning isn't recorded properly, these costs can double as staff retake courses. Plus, when employees are busy redoing training, they're not doing their actual jobs, which hits productivity.

The Fix: Proper Records for Lifelong Learning

To fix this, we need systems that provide verifiable records of lifelong learning. Digital certificates and badges, like the ones from Open CPD, make sure learning achievements are securely documented and easy to access. These records can be shared with employers and added to professional profiles, making it easier for HR managers and recruiters to check someone's qualifications.

Using these solutions can save companies time and money, and make sure employees' skills are properly recognised. This benefits not just the individual learners, but also helps create a more efficient and competitive workforce.

In short, as lifelong learning becomes more important, we need to make sure all this learning is properly recorded. This will help people move forward in their careers and help companies make the most of their employees' skills.