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Solving the training divide

The changes to the world of work over the past decade, including the disappearance of low skilled jobs and the downward trend of the employment rate of the low educated, reflect the pace of economic and technological change. It is suggested that countries still do not invest enough in the education and training of under-skilled adults but a larger problem is that of getting the training to the most vulnerable. Why some of those most in need of training seem to miss out is looked at and it is suggested that while in Europe policy encourages firms to train, the training is skewed towards workers that are already in a good position in the labour market. The co-financing policies of some of the European countries are discussed but it is pointed out that individuals often find training courses unaffordable both in direct cost and because of time constraints. The article concludes that the key to closing the skills divide seems to be a matter of effectiveness of funding training, by means of efficient co-financing between employees, employers and government, to improve access to training for all.

The changes to the world of work over the past decade, including the disappearance of low skilled jobs and the downward ...  Show Full Abstract  

Authors: Bassanini, Andrea
Date: 2003
Geographic subjects: Europe
Journal title: OECD observer
Resource type: Article
Subjects: Employment; Technology; Vocational education and training;

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