After receiving his BA, he was awarded a Teaching Fellowship to pursue his MA, and a Commonwealth Scholarship to work on his PhD at the Australian National University in Canberra.

The two collaborated on a number of play scripts including: Frankenstein, The Dollar Woman, A Gift to Last, and The Incredible Murder of Cardinal Tosca.

In June 1978, Learning left Fredericton for Ottawa to take the position of Head of the Theatre Section of the Canada Council for the Arts.

This annual award recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to community life through their work in the performing arts.

[4] On June 27, 2019, Governor General Julie Payette announced that Learning had been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honours.