With college-loan debt making many rethink the country's college-for-all mindset, apprenticeships are becoming more attractive. Before the pandemic, the number of people starting apprenticeships had more than doubled over the previous 10 years. That progress stalled during COVID's height, but data for 2021, the most recent available, show that…

In the history of vocational education and training, apprentices seldom feature as actors. They are also rarely mentioned among those affected by economic conditions and political measures. Studies of England and Scotland have shown that, over a period of decades, there was a widespread apprentice movement during the twentieth century. So far,…

Drawbacks of the German dual system include limits on competition, delay of adult status in the labor market, no guarantee of employment, and inflexible regulations. An underlying principle of corporatism and unique aspects of the German economy mean it may not be an appropriate model for the British training system. (SK)

This article seeks to add to current policy and debate on apprenticeships and youth transitions more widely by reflecting back upon the historical experience of the apprenticeship model. The research comprises in-depth interviews with 30 people who undertook apprenticeships in a range of trades in Great Britain in the period 1944-1982. The…

An article excerpted from the Harvard Education Letter warns against the notion of directly importing foreign apprenticeship models into school-to-work initiatives in the United States. (JOW)

The new youth training initiative in Britain is termed "modern apprenticeship." However, the history of the decline of apprenticeship over the last 30 years raises questions about whether this model can be reinvented to meet contemporary workplace needs. (SK)

Although the German dual system is frequently touted as a model, it has disadvantages. Much of the cost fall on trainees, it takes a long time to achieve adult status and pay, and young workers are given few responsibilities. It is not recommended for adaptation in Britain. (SK)

A review of three recent publications leads to the conclusion that Britain should (1) adopt the German two-tier system of skilled workers and master workers, a status distinction that can be applied in blue- and white-collar occupations; and (2) train workers through apprenticeships. (SK)

An analysis of the way international comparative research is conducted highlights the limits and contradictions of exchange procedures and mechanisms between science, decision making, and policy implementation while emphasizing the importance of a comparative approach for apprenticeship. (Author/JOW)

The approaches of four countries to vocational training for youth are described: West Germany's dual system; the Swedish vocational preparation system; the Certificate of Professional Aptitude in France; and Great Britain's Youth Training Scheme. (SK)

A detailed look at the characteristics of individuals who received apprenticeship training in the United States and Great Britain indicates that the United States uses apprenticeship to a much smaller degree but within the same occupations. In both countries, males receive the majority of the training. (JOW)

Responds to the argument that science education has to be a purposeful induction going beyond personal experience and personal knowledge. Speculates about what kind of intervention is appropriate and when. Contains 18 references. (DDR)

This article is the first of two which together aim to explore the organizational and training characteristics of private manufacturing firms that have chosen to participate in the Youth Training Scheme. This article considers the economic and social context of youth training policies and examines some possible explanations for corporate…

Like the United States, Great Britain has had problems with school-to-work transitions. Britain's experience with the Youth Training Scheme shows that youth apprenticeship programs can be created almost immediately if the right incentives are offered. The challenge is meshing higher-level job skills and standards with employers' quest for…

In eastern Germany, reunification involved economic and political transformations that have resulted in new education, training, and employment structures. A study of young adults in Leipzig and their transition to employment focused on how the interplay between institutional structures and individual actions produced career outcomes. Similarities…