A literature review indicates that policymakers have forged an apparent consensus on skill training among business, labor and individuals, with the presumption of mutual benefit. However, reforms have shifted control over and benefits from training to private capital, lessening the value of skill development for individuals' bargaining power in…

Includes "Commentary" (Alan Tuckett); "Lifelong Learning" (Malcolm Wicks); "An Opposition View" (Tim Boswell); "Opening up the Learning Market" (Jacqui Henderson); "Ringing in the Changes" (Chris Hughes); and "More Reasons to Be Cheerful, More Causes for Concern" (Alastair Thomson). (SK)

RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND THE POPULATION EXPLOSION HAVE CREATED THE NEED TO ESTABLISH A MANPOWER POLICY RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL TRAINING. THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS RECOGNIZED BY THE CITIZENS AS THE PUBLIC AGENCY FOR CONDUCTING EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR YOUTHS AND ADULTS. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE, THROUGH THE…

This report describes the Canadian labor force and economic climate, and the employment and manpower policies which comprise Canada's active manpower policy. Expanded programs for vocational and technical training are recommended, especially for unemployed youth. (BH)

This January 2004 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) "HRDC splits into two"; (2) "Paul Martin's Promise: Is it good news for literacy?"; (3) Busy months ahead: expect a Throne speech, a federal budget and an election this spring!"; (4) "Finance Minister Ralph Goodale:…

Examines the scientific bases for the improvement of the employment situation by vocational training; strategies for developing new employment opportunities; and political conditions governing the effectiveness of employment programs. (Availability: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, 5, rue du Commerce, L-2985,…

Concludes that (1) the state of the labor market affects the ability of training institutions to achieve their goals, (2) institutions need to change rapidly as economic conditions change, and (3) divisions between general and vocational education should be removed. (Availability: Office for Official Publications of the European Communities,…

This literature review explores competing views of the relationship between adult literacy and U.S. economic difficulties. Trends in public policy, legislation, labor forecasting, and workplace training from the 1960s to the present are reviewed. Consequences of the perceived gap between workers' skills and national economic needs are discussed.…

Comparison of national policies in South Korea, Singapore, and Britain to respond to low-skills equilibria (self-reinforcing institutions that stifle demand for skill improvements) shows that different responses stem from national differences in supply/demand and the differential impact of globalization due to the individual economic and social…

The International Symposium of Career Development and Public Policy 2006 is the third international forum of senior government policy makers and experts in the field of career development. It focuses on the connections between career development and workforce development. It is committed to shaping the future by examining and articulating the…

The Third International Symposium on Career Development and Public Policy was entitled "Shaping the future: Connecting career development and work development." Papers were provided by 16 nations and organisations, and this article synthesises these papers. The country teams were asked to select and address two or three of six themes: (1) human…

The United Kingdom needs a coherent strategy to develop the competence of its people, to enable individuals to cope with the complex world, and to help them make a personal contribution to society. Collaborators in the strategy are representatives from government, trade unions, the labor force, education, personnel and training, and local…

The rationale for present manpower programs and its utility for future manpower policy are discussed. The approach focuses attention on such questions as the following: Does the present de facto meaning of manpower policy, which is implicit in what is now being attempted in the so-called "manpower programs," exhaust the potential…

In recent years the Norwegian manpower authorities have recognized the need for reevaluating and reformulating their objectives and functions and the scope of their activities. Problem areas have been identified and steps undertaken to implement recommended solutions. Efforts have been made to improve labor force participation rates, provide labor…

In the past, rural America often relied on Washington for policy responses to its challenges, but federal policy has been slow to adapt to the broad changes taking place in so many rural communities. New approaches to rural policy have taken root in some states. Georgia's OneGeorgia Authority will oversee a series of economic development programs…