Workplace learning is changing. Organisations are moving away from relying solely on formal training and toward learning ecosystems that build capability through experience, collaboration, and structured development. One of the most influential frameworks guiding this shift is the 70-20-10 learning model, a researchbacked approach that explains how people learn most effectively at work. Most professional learning happens outside the classroom: 70% through realworld experience, 20% through social learning, and 10% through formal training. This model has been widely adopted because it reflects how employees grow by doing, observing, experimenting, and engaging with others.
What Is the 70-20-10 Learning Model?
The 702010 model breaks learning into three complementary components
- 70% Experiential Learning: handson work, stretch assignments, problemsolving, and realworld challenges. This is where the deepest learning occurs because employees apply knowledge directly in context.
- 20% Social Learning: coaching, mentoring, feedback, peer discussions, and role modelling. These interactions accelerate growth by providing guidance and perspective.
- 10% Formal Learning: structured courses, workshops, eLearning, and certifications. This provides foundational knowledge and frameworks.
Together, these elements create a holistic, sustainable learning ecosystem that embeds development into everyday work rather than isolating it in the training room.
Why the 702010 Model Matters for Modern
Organisations
Traditional training often overindexes on formal learning, even though it accounts for only a small portion of real development. The 702010 model helps organisations:
- Improve knowledge retention through handson practice.
- Build adaptable, confident employees who learn through real challenges.
- Strengthen collaboration and knowledgesharing.
- Reduce training costs by integrating learning into daily work.
- Create a culture where learning is continuous, not eventbased.
When implemented well, the model transforms learning from a oneoff activity into a strategic capability driver.
Practical Ways to Implement the 70-20-10
Model Across Different Organisations
Below are actionable strategies tailored to various industries and organisational contexts.
Corporate & Professional Services
70% Experiential
- Assign stretch projects (e.g., leading a client meeting, managing a small project).
- Rotate employees through different departments.
- Use real case studies from current clients.
20% Social
- Implement peerlearning circles.
- Pair junior staff with senior mentors.
- Encourage regular feedback rituals (e.g., “learning debriefs”).
10% Formal
- Offer microlearning modules on communication, leadership, or compliance.
- Provide structured onboarding eLearning.
Engineering, Technical & Industrial Organisations
70% Experiential
- On-the-job shadowing for equipment operation.
- Simulationbased tasks for safety scenarios.
- Problemsolving challenges using real system faults.
20% Social
- Toolbox talks and knowledge-sharing sessions.
- Senior technicians coaching apprentices.
- Cross-functional troubleshooting teams.
10% Formal
- SCADA, PLC, HMI, or safety compliance eLearning.
- Technical certification pathways.
Beauty, Wellness & Creative Industries
70% Experiential
- Practice sessions with real clients.
- Product application demonstrations.
- Portfolio-building projects.
20% Social
- Peer critique sessions.
- Shadowing senior stylists or practitioners.
- Community workshops.
10% Formal
- eLearning on anatomy, hygiene, or product knowledge.
- Brand-specific training modules.
Government, Education & Not-for-Profit
70% Experiential
Policy implementation projects.
Community engagement activities.
Classroom-based experimentation for educators.
20% Social
- Professional learning communities.
- Coaching for leadership roles.
- Crossagency collaboration.
10% Formal
- Compliance training.
- Leadership development programs.
Healthcare, Aged Care & Community Services
70% Experiential
- Clinical supervision and reflective practice groups.
- Peer case reviews.
- Mentoring for new graduates.
20% Social
- Mandatory compliance modules (infection control, manual handling).
- Microcourses on communication, empathy, and cultural safety.
10% Formal
- Offer microlearning modules on communication, leadership, or compliance.
- Provide structured onboarding eLearning.
How L4 Learning Studio Helps You
Implement the 702010 Model
At L4 Learning Studio, we specialise in designing learning ecosystems that blend experiential, social, and formal learning, exactly the balance the 702010 model recommends. Here’s how we support your organisation:
10% HighQuality, Bilingual eLearning (English & Spanish)
We create engaging, accessible, WCAGaligned eLearning that provides the foundational knowledge your teams need. This includes:
- Technical training (SCADA, PLC, safety, engineering systems)
- Nontechnical training (beauty, health, wellness, childcare, customer service)
- Compliance modules
- Microlearning and scenario-based learning
20% Social Learning Enablement
We help you build structures that support collaborative learning:
- Peer-learning frameworks
- Coaching and mentoring toolkits
- Discussion guides and reflection activities
- Facilitator-led workshop material
70% Experiential Learning Desig
We design real-world learning experiences that embed skills into daily work:
- On-the-job practice guides
- Performance support tools
- Scenario-based challenges
- Workplace projects aligned with learning outcomes
- Job aids and quick-reference tools
End-to-End Learning Strategy
From needs analysis to evaluation, we help you build a learning ecosystem, not just a course.
Tailored for Any Industry
Whether you’re in engineering, beauty, health, education, or government, we adapt the 70-20-10 model to your context.
Final Thoughts
The 70-20-10 model isn’t about reducing formal training. It’s about expanding learning beyond the classroom.
When organisations embrace experiential and social learning, they unlock deeper capability, stronger performance, and a culture where people grow every day. If your organisation is ready to move beyond traditional training and build a modern learning ecosystem, L4 Learning Studio is here to help you design, implement, and sustain it.
Ready to transform your learning strategy?
Contact us at L4 Learning Studio and let’s build something powerful together.
References:
- What is the 70:20:10 model? – https://www.702010institute.com/702010-model/
- Boost learning success with the 70-20-10 model – knowledgeworker.com
- The 70:20:10 Rule for Learning at Work – National Training