Purpose–The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace learning programme on the low-skilled and long term unemployed. The paper evaluates improvements in skills and attitudes from the workers perspective. Design/methodology/approach–The paper builds on current literature in the area to design and evaluate a workplace learning programme. Quantitative and qualitative data are used to evaluate staff perceptions. Findings–Findings indicate that providing a mix of workplace learning, and focused academic content can have an extremely positive impact on the skill-set and mind-set of low-skilled and long term unemployed workers. The effect of this is that workers are more likely to apply for further educational and employment opportunities. Practical implications–Findings reinforce the view that an integrated approach to tackling long-term unemployment and the up-skilling of workers may be more effective than providing employment initiatives alone. Originality/value–While statistics on long term unemployment and the vulnerability of low-skilled workers are widely available right across the EU, there is a comparative lack of literature around initiatives designed to tackle these problems, and even less which incorporates the views of workers themselves. This paper provides a unique look at the implementation of a workplace learning programme and its impact on staff. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
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