Purpose: This paper aims to address the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4 "quality education" through the adoption of heutagogic ideas in improving work-based learning for individuals. Design/methodology/approach: This paper locates a discussion of heutagogy within the wider context of vocational and higher education, as well as through reference to the theoretical discourse on learning theory. Findings: Heutagogy is concerned with the development of individual capability through the creation of a learner-determined curriculum that is attuned to professional goals. Organizations that adopt heutagogic approaches enhance corporate adaptiveness through personalized learning. Originality/value: This briefing provides the reader with an accessible insight into both the individual and organizational benefits of adopting heutagogic ideas in professional development. As organizations confront an increasingly uncertain external environment, this paper offers an insight into how to develop individual capability.