Is there an optimum age to be an apprentice? For most people, their image of an apprentice would be a teenage school leaver. Yet, in England, the majority of apprentices are over the age of 19 when they start their apprenticeship, and 40 per cent are 25 or over. This would be very unusual in other European countries. In this article, the authors…

There is much to welcome in Doug Richard's independent report on the future of apprenticeships. The Richard review offers proposals for redefining and improving the quality of apprenticeships, and for focusing them more on the needs of employers. But will the proposals work, if adopted, and what will be the impact on adults? For this article, the…

Since 2001 there has been a renewed government focus on skills development and its relationship with combating unemployment in Ghana. Technical and vocational education and training (hereinafter; TVET), delivered through public and private schools, vocational training institutes and informal apprenticeship training, continues to be seen as an…

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)

Argues that apprenticeship, as the largest private sector training program for skilled workers, does not have the recognition it deserves. (SK)

Work-based postcompulsory education has been hindered by association with discredited youth training programs. Interviews with 381 British apprentices (55.7% response) show how this form of work-based education overcomes disadvantages of full-time education, has liberating potential, and is an attractive means of acquiring further education and…

This policy paper defines apprenticeship in terms of eight essential components, explains what apprenticeship is not, and recommends how the term should be used. As defined by the eight components, apprenticeship is: (1) a training strategy that combines supervised, structured, on-the-job training with related instruction and that is sponsored by…

The German apprenticeship system results in a high proportion of skilled personnel and, therefore, is a major factor in Germany's productivity achievement and competitiveness. It also provides a smooth transition from school to work, low unemployment, and integration of school leavers into the apprenticeship system. (JOW)

Describes traditional training programs in Germany and two alternatives: (1) practice companies, where apprentices work and learn in actual work settings, funded by industries; and (2) noncompany-based programs, where job training is delivered in technical institutes funded by federal and state governments. (SK)

The author defines the output and effectiveness of training and its monetary and psychological costs and discusses the cost-benefit implications of institution-based training, enterprise-based training, apprenticeships, self-instruction, and new educational technologies. He argues that an examination of these implications is indispensible for…

Three job training models for young people are (1) emphasis in full-time schooling to age 18, as in Japan; (2) Germany's dual system of apprenticeship and continuing education; and (3) a mixed model as in the United Kingdom, where a small percentage remain in school to age 18 and a proportion enroll in work-based training programs. (SK)

Industry-based skill assessment and certification should (1) be independent of training providers; (2) use variety of instruments; (3) recognize multiple levels of mastery; (4) promote broad training and continuous learning; (5) be geared to high-performance work organizations; (6) be voluntary; and (7) be flexible to keep pace with technology.…

Discusses both sides of the issue of whether admission to apprenticeship programs should continue to be contingent upon completion of a high school educational program. (Author/JH)

Apprenticeship training programs in Hawaii offer an effective means for men and women to attain skills necessary for productive work. Hawaii's two sources of apprenticeship training are the Apprenticeship Division of the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNS). Despite the efforts of these…