Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce the key themes in the area of the impact of demographic change on young workers and older workers in relation to education, skills and employment, as discussed in the papers included in this section. The authors have also drawn upon data from their project "From Young Workers to Older…

Since U.S. economic growth began to slow in 2006, both the Bush and Obama Administrations have enacted a number of fairly costly programs designed to stimulate the economy and employment growth. Because many of these programs are fairly new, there has been little comprehensive examination of their impacts, but initial analysis suggests that these…

The recent response by Anthony Carnevale et al. to the authors' analysis of the fundamental shortcomings associated with their predictions of widespread college labor shortages focuses on three areas. First, Anthony Carnevale et al. suggest that the authors are educational Luddites by noting in the title of their response that the authors believe…

This paper was presented to a meeting of the Wellington Exchange, an international group of higher education officials, in December 2008. One of the topics of the meeting was around the issue of possible skills shortages emerging as a result of demographic trends, with the ageing of the population of developed countries. The paper argues that this…

Looks at how the Bureau of Labor Statistics determines the numbers and projections for the Occupational Outlook Handbook. (JOW)

Over the last three years, large numbers of workers have been losing their jobs and experiencing involuntary unemployment for extended periods of time, as much as two years or more. This is a situation that creates a tremendous challenge for career counselors. This paper begins by providing an historical, economic context for the discussion and…

This paper argues that to survive in today's intense marketplace, it is not enough to be good at a few things. Rather, one must excel across the board--at communicating, innovating, execution, speed, selling, negotiating, service, leadership, teamwork and more. Every individual who wants to be a part of the future must learn to become…

Discusses trends in the domestic economy and labor market in Japan as well as the status and developmental tasks ahead for career guidance. Describes government efforts to upgrade guidance services and train and certify counselors. (JOW)

Young, educated, and fiercely in demand, "gold collar" workers are getting unprecedented salaries and perks. Impatience and self-confidence define today's educated young worker, and everywhere employers are having to adapt. (Author)

Despite alarming predictions, the worklife expectations of America's "baby boom" generation may not be much different from those of other age cohorts. Besides demography, factors like technological change, industrial structures, and methods of management have a great influence on job availability. Employment trends remain difficult to…

Recently, high unemployment and a high perceived rate of technological change have created interest in work-sharing. Definitions of different types of work-sharing and theoretical and practical issues related to work-sharing are covered. Work-sharing is not necessarily a panacea, but it does show the potential to help. (Author/IS)

The number of jobs requiring four or more years of college education is projected to grow by 45 percent over the 1982-1995 period, compared to 25 percent for all jobs. (JOW)

Contends that a continued increase in labor force requirements which previously was satisfied by a reduction of farm labor needs, increased workforce participation of women, and a cyclic baby boom, will result in a future labor shortage. Offers a rationale for training and providing support services for the unemployed. (DMM)

The family unit has become the focus for policy planning, program evaluation, and research. The data series published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics permits policymakers and planners to address social and economic issues affecting families on a more timely basis. (JOW)

Despite concerns that globalization will increase unemployment and wage inequality, drive down wages and labor standards, and threaten national policy autonomy, it is clear that national policies still determine employment levels and labor standards. However, the need to protect those damaged by globalization still exists. (SK)