This article discusses the correlation between cascading subcontracting and employees' participation in continuing vocational training. Based on a capability approach, it uses the French quantitative linked employer-employee survey on training and career paths (DEFIS) to question to what degree inter-firm relations influence their employees' training opportunities and processes. The results suggest cascading effects in training participation, considered from the angle of taking part both in training and training decision making. It addresses public policy issues arising from inequalities in employee participation with respect to the subcontracting relationship and thereby questions the liability of pure principal contractors.