The OP is referring to learning by looting.
When you invest skill points in perks that are linked to a certain magazine series or certain parts, you get a boost when you loot so that you can find more magazines and parts matching the perks you invested points in. For example, you invest points in Advanced Engineer and find more Forge Ahead magazines. You invest points in Miner69er and you find more magazines for tools and more motor tool and steel tool parts.