This essay will use the following quote to explain why lifelong learning should remain a priority for all U.S. governments because it can lead to an improved relationship between union workers and companies: ‘If America is going to succeed in the twenty-first century, we need to become a nation of lifelong learners. Today for the first time in our history, a majority of all new jobs will require a post-secondary education. Tomorrow’s workers will be expected to have a command of reading, computing, and oral and written communication skills to qualify for many of the least qualified jobs. And, all future jobs will demand continued learning and education. Employees who are involved in learning can have a better attitude towards their company. Because of their employers’ commitment to their education, workers realise they do not have to be anti-company to be good union members. They begin to understand that management and labour have the same goal- a profitable company. We need to change our basic culture to make lifelong learning a priority for everyone. Instead of thinking of school as a gas station where you stop once, get filled up, and then go on, we need to think of education as the road itself’ (Bahr 197).
Education is key to ensuring employers realise how much their employees have to offer. Horn and Schaffner argue that the only way to improve career outcomes, individuals must have access to lifelong learning opportunities, in both formal education and informal learning, and make efforts to expand their social networks (74). This is because in a world that is rapidly changing, career opportunities have become far more unequal, ensuring that the long-term vulnerability of all workers only increases (Horn and Schaffner 74). It is essential that workers do more to portray themselves as unique at a time jobs are scarce, which is why education is so important. Organisations need to develop multiemployer training and placement experiences that can recognise a worker’s experience and skills (Horn and Schaffner 74). Lifelong learning opportunities and work experience are increasingly playing an important role than formal education as a result of these changes (Horn and Schaffner 74). This demonstrates the long-term benefits for U.S. governments to expand lifelong learning as it ensures workers are better qualified and able to gain a job. It is not just lifelong learning that can play a significant role in improving the chances of workers to thrive in a modern workplace, but social networks play a crucial role in aiding workers to cope with layoffs and job losses (Horn and Schaffner 74). This has led to a significant improvement in relations between employees and employers as workers begin to understand how to promote their long-term employability by embracing work experience and lifelong learning opportunities (Horn and Schaffner 74). The nature of the job market is changing at a rapid level, and lifelong learning has forever changed the fundamental relationship between employees and employers. Therefore, it is essential that lifelong learning continues.
In conclusion, it seems that lifelong learning is the best solution to ensure that many workers can make themselves stand out from their competitors when they are all after the same job. The amount of jobs available has dramatically shrunk in recent years and employees are desperately trying to ensure that they are a cut above the rest of their competitors. Lifelong learning has only increased the respect that employers have for employees. This will make their skills increasingly sought after. All U.S. governments must ensure lifelong learning continues.
Works cited
Bahr, Morton. From the Telegraph to the Internet. Washington D.C.: National Press Books, 1998. Print.
Van Horn, Carl E. & Herbert A. Schaffner. Work in America: M-Z. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 2003. Print.
