This special edition issue of AJAL is comprised of articles with a focus on capturing and illuminating the experiences provided in and through work and how they contribute to adult learning and development more generally, as well as those associated with occupational capacities and subjectivities and workplace competence. In this way, the special issue is not about workplace learning per se, but rather the kinds of experiences and legacies arising from adults’ participation in work practice and the activities and interactions that comprise working life.

A half-day symposium to launch the book, Access, Lifelong Learning and Education for All, in commemoration of the late Professor Jim Gallacher was held on Friday 6 October 2023 at Glasgow Caledonian University. The event was opened by Professor Andrea Nelson (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Glasgow Caledonian University).

In 2023, ESREA networks* ELOA (Education and Learning of Older Adults) and ReNAdET (Adult Educators, Trainers and their Professional Development) are jointly organising the conference in Tallinn. 

This report presents research that provides an understanding of the current impact of the low levels of investment in training in the UK and, in addition, tries to quantify how many people’s potential contribution to society is being squandered as a result of not having access to regular skills development. And the inevitable impact of that on social mobility.