The aim of the study is to analyze different ways  of workplace
learning, particularly the connec tions between workplace learning and
one’s gender, age and organizational hierarchy position. The survey
conducted among the Finnish water
utilities’ personnel (N = 412)
draws on three metaphors of learning, namely acquisition, participation
and knowledge-creation. According to the results, knowledge acquisition
and knowledge creation are predicted by organizational hierarchy
position and learning by participation is predicted by gender and age.
The results give an idea what kind of ways of learning and learning
environments could be designed in workplaces when taking into account
the needs and preferences of employees in different organizational
positions.