Learning and development

Explore and consider learning activities beyond traditional classroom training to help you to meet your learning and career development objectives.

Below are some suggestions to help you establish your learning plan.

Professional and Career Development

• Focus on required skills and competencies for short, medium and long-term
• Seek formal and informal feedback from colleagues and superiors for your learning plan
• Seek formal and informal feedback and input from clients, partners and stakeholders
• Explore just-in-time and on-the-job learning
• Research and consider formal and informal learning options: e.g. horizontal committee work, special projects, job-shadowing, assignments, volunteering
• Consider distance learning degree and certification programs, part-time studies, cost-sharing, flexible work hours
• Participate in developmental programs, stretch assignments, secondments, Interchange
• Conduct interviews for information from experienced public servants who have specialized knowledge and expertise
• Consult a career counsellor

Formal Training and On-the-Job Learning

• Explore options for formal training, e.g. distance learning options and flexible work hours to support this option
• Explore options for on-the-job-learning, e.g. special projects, brown bag lunches, tutoring, peer learning, site visits
• Participate in teams with a diversity of talents, backgrounds and skills
• Learn from cross-cultural and cross-functional situations

Self Learning and Computer-Assisted Learning

• Research and use existing tools for self-assessment and self learning within and external to the Public Service, e.g. Campusdirect, distance learning programs
• Visit Learning Centres
• Use electronic information technologies
• Create an “E-Learning Zone
• Use remote computer access

Tutoring, Mentoring or Coaching

• Find a tutor, mentor or coach to help you to learn, improve performance, key skills and competencies and/or enhance your career development
• Discuss your learning plan and your career aspirations
• Seek feedback
• Take action
• Consider virtual mentoring with the support of electronic information technologies

Partnerships, Horizontal Linkages and Networks

• Identify and pursue opportunities for joint research, project development and management, training etc. within and across departments and external to the Public Service
• Participate in interdepartmental or cross-disciplinary project teams, networks or working groups
• Hold regular team and community meetings to review lessons learned
• Participate in departmental, public service -wide, professional and functional community networks to share knowledge, build skills and networks
• Learn about and use electronic information and web-based technologies (e.g. facilitated e-learning, collaboration software, discussion groups) to share knowledge and meet learning objectives