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Examines the opportunities for and barriers to workplace learning among low-grade staff in the United Kingdom public sector and the role of managers and supervisors in providing access to learning opportunities. Describes innovative examples of workplace learning. Concludes that the reality for many low-grade manual and routine clerical staff continues to be one of limited opportunity. (KS)

This paper is based on a research project which examines the opportunities for and barriers to workplace learning amongst low-grade staff in the UK public sector. It examines the key role of managers and supervisors, who make many of the decisions about individuals' access to learning opportunities. Their perception of staff's willingness and need to learn is influenced by factors such as age, gender or the likelihood of career development. It is these managers who control the immediate work environment and the flow of information about learning opportunities. Innovative examples of workplace learning are described, yet the paper concludes that the reality for many low grade manual and routine clerical staff continues to be one of limited opportunities for workplace learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]