Part 1

To improve product quality, a company is introducing a computer-assisted manufacturing process into one of its assembly plants. The new technology is likely to substantially modify jobs. Employees will also be required to learn statistical process control techniques. The new technology and push for quality will require employees to attend numerous training sessions. More than 50% of the employees who will be affected by the new technology completed their formal education more than 10 years ago. Only about 5% of the company's employees have used the tuition reimbursement benefit. How should management maximize employees' readiness for training?

Part 2

What do you think can be done to encourage these employees to participate in informal learning activities?

Please provide References.