Affiliations: IETL – Lyon 2 University/CREAPT (France), Lyon,
France | CNRS – LISE/CREAPT (France), Paris, France | LATI – Paris Descartes University/CREAPT (France),
Boulogne-Billancourt cedex, France
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dominique Cau-Bareille, IETL – Lyon
2 University/CREAPT (France), 86 rue pasteur, 69007 Lyon, France. Tel.: +33 4
78 19 41 86; E-mail: Dominique.Cau-Bareille@univ-lyon2.fr
Abstract: Objective: This article presents two ergonomic studies carried out
when two French administrative bodies modernized their work tools. Our
objective was to identify and define the vocational learning of experienced
technicians who were required to adopt new working methods to cope with these
technological changes. Methods: We observed the work activity of
technicians of different ages and length of service both before and during
training, and also after their return to their work unit during the
appropriation phase. Results: These two studies revealed some
difficulties that were common to all the technicians and others that were more
specific to the older employees. In terms of the design of the training course,
we were able to point out some mistaken assumptions about the technicians'
original command of the work activity and the computers, which made it
difficult for them to adopt new work procedures. Conclusion: The difficulties encountered by the older employees were ultimately found to be
more an indication of organizational problems to do with the management of
change rather than training problems due to age.
Keywords: Ergonomic, work analysis, ageing, learning, training design
