This short description contributes to better understanding of vocational education and training (VET) in Portugal, by providing insight into its distinctive features and highlighting system developments and current challenges. VET in Portugal offers a wide range of programmes, flexible in type and duration. Promoting equal opportunities and…

This case study provides information on the formal and informal technical and vocational education systems operating within the United Kingdom. It is intended to assist policymakers, planners, administrators, and experts in technical and vocational education. Part I provides basic information on the country and its economy with special emphasis on…

A research project was conducted to determine how and what clown-doctors know on entry to the profession and how and what they learn both formally and informally in a hospital environment; the linkages between informal and formal learning in clown-doctor training and practice in Canada; and "best practices." Information was gathered…

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) supports the aims of European Community (EC) activities and initiatives to promote lifelong learning and access to training. To promote competencies and lifelong learning, CEDEFOP has monitored development of lifelong learning skills, clarified main differences in the…

This document describes major changes that have occurred in the integration of young people into working life in Europe and suggests policy implications in this area. The following articles are included: "Interview" (H. C. Jones); "A European Cultural Policy to Prevail over a Rapidly Changing and Uncertain Environment" (Sergio…

A study examined the question of how one Australian non-metropolitan community consolidates and develops sustainable economic and social activity through the learning of community members. The research used a focused interview process with open-ended questions with these 2 major sub-groups in the community and explored their interrelatedness: 2…

This guide is intended to help in the active recruitment and training of women for nontraditional occupations in the skilled trades and technical fields by providing information for young women, guidance for educators and counselors, and resources for both new and experienced workers. Chapter 1 defines nontraditional jobs and spells out why women…

Experiences with computer education at the Bank of America suggest that, when educating nontechnical people to use computers, formal learning environments are not as effective as informal learning environments. It has become increasingly necessary to use informal training to educate the approximately 4,000 people who need the training because of…

A study was conducted in a single four-county region in Minnesota to determine the nature and extent of nonformal education, or educational programs designed for people who have completed secondary education (or who are beyond the compulsory school age) and which are offered by any institution or agency outside the traditional postsecondary…

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…

This document summarizes the activities conducted by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) during 1998 in its continuing efforts to accomplish its primary objective of linking research, policy, and practice in vocational education and training (VET). The following are among the 1998 CEDEFOP projects and…

This book examines how the Japanese learn to work by exploring the following topics: common assumptions about vocational education and training (VET) that Japan brings into question; Japan's general education system and the moral quality and prestige status of the teaching and learning process; screening processes within Japan's education system…

An estimated one-third of Sweden's adult population pursues some type of studies. The primary forms of education and training available for adults in Sweden are residential adult colleges, folk high schools, voluntary educational associations or study circles, municipal and national adult education programs, adult basic education programs, public…

These three volumes comprise the background publication of the second report on vocational education and training (VET) research in Europe. The two parts of Volume 1 contain 10 papers; Volume 2 contains 11 papers in two parts; and there are 10 papers in the two parts and annex of Volume 3. In Volume 1 are the following: "Steering, Networking,…

A 6-month consultation process was conducted to identify changes needed in Ireland's system of adult education in the era of lifelong learning. The following issues were addressed: (1) financial barriers for adults wishing to return to education; (2) the lack of access to mainstream programs of education and training; (3) the lack of information…