Among the many changes occurring in European society, three "factors of upheaval" are particularly important: the information society, internationalization, and the scientific and technical fields. Education and training can provide two possible solutions to eliminate their pernicious effects. The first involves reintroducing the merits of a broad base of knowledge. The second is building up employability. In addition to the traditional route--the quest for a paper qualification, a more open, more flexible approach is advocated that encourages the mobility of workers. Five general objectives have been identified to implement practical action to achieve a knowledge-based society. The first is to encourage the acquisition of new knowledge through new methods of recognizing skills, supporting mobility, and drawing on new communication technologies. The second general objective is to bring schools and the business sector closer together through apprenticeship/trainee schemes and vocational training. The third general objective is to combat exclusion by promoting two types of pilot schemes: "second chance" schools and voluntary service for young people. The fourth general objective is proficiency in three European Community languages. The fifth general objective is to treat capital investment and investment in training on an equal basis. (Appendixes include data and figures, examples of European Community programs, and statistical tables and graphs.) (YLB)