Evidence from North American pay practices was used to examine the question of whether the "old employment contact," according to which employees promised to exchange hard work for job security, has truly been replaced by a "new employment contract" based more on market forces. The study analyzed data from the following…

In the United States today, too many hardworking people are unable to earn enough through work to support their families. Policymakers can help change this situation by taking the following steps: (1) keep work central; (2) promote family-supporting work; (3) invest in education and work skills; (4) make it easier for individuals to stay employed…

In order to develop conclusions about future policy aimed at addressing the challenge of workers at risk because of low skills, the NEWSKILLS project combined scientific analysis with consultation with social partner representatives, policy analysis, and field work in firms. Population proportions in International Standard Classification of…

Attempts to explain sex-related wage differentials generally rely on the human capital and segmentation labor market theories. The human capital theory explains individuals' position in the labor market primarily in terms of factors determining their productivity, whereas segmentation theory focuses on differences among jobs as determinants of the…

Economic, technological, and political changes have created a new employment relationship characterized by an externalized labor market, more tenuous ties between workers and employers, and growing wage inequality. To date, policymakers have sought to address these problems through a supply-side approach focused on education and training. What is…

This paper presents specific steps elected officials, program managers, and other policymakers can take to craft a more effective workforce development system intended to give workers the tools they need to succeed in the new economy. First, the new labor market and work systems are discussed. The paper then lays out eight principles for all…

Current research into youth transitions in Australia documents an increasingly individualized process in which significant numbers of youths are deemed at risk of not making a successful transition from school to work. Many theorists are questioning the applicability of the linear model of transition to current conditions. Other theorists are…

The question of whether apprenticeships and traineeships can survive in Australia's emerging social and economic environment was explored through a review of two bodies of research. The first consisted of recent reviews of the quality of traineeships in Queensland and Tasmania and apprenticeships in Victoria. The second was a study on the future…

This book provides a policy update on the school-to-work (STW) transition in a wide range of countries. Fourteen chapters give a comprehensive overview of the main issues in policy formulation and a detailed consideration of how policies have been considered and implemented in those countries. The chapters are: "Introduction: STW Policies in…

A study examined vocational education in Greece. First, vocational education was placed within the context of Greece's political and administrative structures and economy. The evolution of vocational education in Greece was traced. The structure, objectives, and delivery of general education and initial and further vocational education were…

A study examined vocational education and training in Italy. First, vocational education was placed within the context of Italy's political and administrative structures and economy. Italy's systems of general and vocational education were described, and the legislative aspects were examined. Special attention was paid to funding from various…

An international team of researchers studied the following aspects of training in the United Kingdom's food and beverage sector: structure and characteristics, business and social context, training and recruitment, and future training requirements. Data were collected from an analysis of social and labor/employment statistics, literature review,…

An international team of researchers studied the following aspects of training in Belgium's motor vehicle repair and sales sector: structure and characteristics; institutional and social context; relationship to Belgium's overall labor market; changing structural, economic, and organizational conditions; and training and recruitment and…

An international team of researchers studied the following aspects of training in Italy's motor vehicle repair and sales sector: structure and characteristics; institutional and social context; relationship to Italy's overall labor market; changing structural, economic, and organizational conditions; and training and recruitment and relationship…

An international team of researchers studied the following aspects of training in Spain's motor vehicle repair and sales sector: structure and characteristics; institutional and social context; relationship to Spain's overall labor market; changing structural, economic, and organizational conditions; and training and recruitment and relationship…