Realising the potential of work-based learning schemes as a driver of productivity requires careful design and support. The length of work-based learning schemes should be adapted to the profile of productivity gains. A scheme that is too long for a given skill set might be unattractive for learners and waste public resources, but a scheme that is…

This joint OECD-ILO publication provides guidance on how local and regional governments can foster business-education partnerships in apprenticeship programmes and other types of work-based learning, drawing on case studies across nine countries. There has been increasing interest in apprenticeships which combine on the job training with…

This paper looks at the importance of mechanisms that give formal recognition to vocational skills acquired through work-based learning and how such mechanisms might be developed. It describes how skill recognition can benefit individuals, employers and society as a whole, and identifies in which contexts skill recognition has the highest…

This case study, one of a series of publications exploring effective and inclusive models of work-based learning, finds that entry-level occupations in manufacturing have historically been considered unskilled jobs for which little or no training is necessary. As a consequence, employers have experienced high turnover among new-hires, and…

Describes how a company developed a unique training strategy for upgrading its workforce. The on-site training project focuses on new technology at the company, employee motivation, principles of electronics, and hands-on assembly techniques. It meets for 2 hours, twice a week, for 12 weeks. (JN)

The time to plan training is in the research and development stage of a new product. Seven major steps are online training, process validation, skills certification, development of manufacturing training instructions, skills verification, transfer training, and offline training and certification. (SK)

The Performance Assessment Review system links training to employee performance and development. The system forces supervisors to specify training to remedy individual employee needs. Through the aggregation of data, the system also provides a tool for the assessment of broad training needs across agencies and job classes. (Author/CH)

The document presents 12 papers on the vocational training and placement of severely disabled persons based partly on Project Employability, which involves the placement and on the job training of the severely disabled. Titles and authors include: "Placement of Severely Disabled Individuals into Competitive Employment--A Two Year Progress…

Discusses the relationship between computer technology and increased productivity in business activities. The importance of training and user support is emphasized, and a new position of knowledge manager who would coordinate the technology with a user support system is proposed. (LRW)

Human capital--the productive capacity that is embedded in people--is one of the most important contributors to the growth in nations' output and standard of living. Globalisation and technological change have increased the importance of human capital in recent years, to the point that there are now only two options to sustain high profits and…

A review of the literature on employer-based training (EBT) and case studies of 17 exemplary EBT programs (9 of which were Job Training Partnership Act [JTPA] programs) were used to determine best practices in EBT and make recommendations for effective strategies for implementing EBT programs. Some of these strategies included the following: (1)…

Discussion of knowledge-based technology highlights the ability of knowledge systems to integrate training and support for computer users in business offices. This type of expert system would use a common-knowledge base for computer-based training, online documentation, print documentation, and help systems for both experienced and novice users.…

Presents guidelines for creating a plan for a knowledge system that integrates training, documentation, and support activities for computer-using personnel in a business setting. Benefits of the system are described, including increased user productivity. (LRW)

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center and the Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program (Virginia) cross-train and upgrade workers' skills to adapt to changing workplaces and keep companies and communities competitive; customize curriculum to meet employers' needs; and provide GED and other adult education programs. (SAS)

The 2001 Australian national Survey of Employer Views on Vocational Education and Training (VET) was similar to earlier studies but included more questions about employers' views about recent VET graduate employees. The survey was a sample survey and provides estimates of the results that would be found had all employers in Australia been…