Most workers who do professional development want to improve<br> performance in current job
More than two-thirds of Canadians who underwent work-related training in the past year did so to improve their performance in their current jobs, while about one-third did so to earn more money or to get a better job, according to a new survey by Statistics Canada
The first-ever Survey of Canadian Attitudes Toward Learning, sponsored by the Canadian Council on Learning, asked more than 5,000 adults about four aspects of learning: early childhood learning; elementary, secondary and post-secondary learning; work-related learning; and health and learning.
More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe that learning during each specific stage from birth to age five and through formal education at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary level is critical to success.
The survey found that adults who had positive academic experiences in elementary and secondary school were more likely to participate in work-related learning. More than half of adults who enjoyed school took part in professional development, compared to 36 per cent of those who didn't enjoy school.
Also, younger workers were more likely to participate in professional development than their older counterparts. The study found 66 per cent of workers aged 20 to 24 took some kind of professional development in the past year. Participation levels steadily dropped with age with 50 per cent of workers aged 25 to 34 taking part in professional development, 44 per cent of workers aged 35 to 44, 31 per cent of workers aged 45 to 54 and 30 per cent of workers aged 55-64.
For respondents who hadn't recently participated in professional development, 55 per cent said they have no need for further training, 37 per cent said they are too busy with work and 32 per cent said they are too busy with family.
More than 92 per cent of respondents said that elementary and secondary schools should foster a love for learning and prepare students for the work world, further education and teach them to become good citizens.
However, only 58 per cent of respondents feel that schools are doing a good job in career planning, while 75 per cent said schools are doing a good job of teaching math, 81 per cent said schools are doing a good job of teaching science and 84 per cent said schools are doing a good job of teaching social studies.
The first-ever Survey of Canadian Attitudes Toward Learning, sponsored by the Canadian Council on Learning, asked more than 5,000 adults about four aspects of learning: early childhood learning; elementary, secondary and post-secondary learning; work-related learning; and health and learning.
More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe that learning during each specific stage from birth to age five and through formal education at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary level is critical to success.
The survey found that adults who had positive academic experiences in elementary and secondary school were more likely to participate in work-related learning. More than half of adults who enjoyed school took part in professional development, compared to 36 per cent of those who didn't enjoy school.
Also, younger workers were more likely to participate in professional development than their older counterparts. The study found 66 per cent of workers aged 20 to 24 took some kind of professional development in the past year. Participation levels steadily dropped with age with 50 per cent of workers aged 25 to 34 taking part in professional development, 44 per cent of workers aged 35 to 44, 31 per cent of workers aged 45 to 54 and 30 per cent of workers aged 55-64.
For respondents who hadn't recently participated in professional development, 55 per cent said they have no need for further training, 37 per cent said they are too busy with work and 32 per cent said they are too busy with family.
More than 92 per cent of respondents said that elementary and secondary schools should foster a love for learning and prepare students for the work world, further education and teach them to become good citizens.
However, only 58 per cent of respondents feel that schools are doing a good job in career planning, while 75 per cent said schools are doing a good job of teaching math, 81 per cent said schools are doing a good job of teaching science and 84 per cent said schools are doing a good job of teaching social studies.
