Defines "disadvantaged youth" and reviews vocational training and employment programs designed for them. Finds that these activities tend to favor the relatively privileged rather than those with the greatest need. (SK)

States that, in countries where industrialization is underway, governments must identify occupations for which skill training is required, monitor the relevance of training, and provide incentives to attract and retain people in important occupations. Discusses issues raised by manpower planning and development as well as measures that governments…

Labor market planning techniques must take into account the dynamic nature of economies. A better approach than labor needs forecasting is use of labor market signals developed by monitoring wage and employment changes and evaluating training programs. (SK)

The author appraises the training policies of French enterprises in light of the experiences of neighboring countries and from two complementary points of view: (1) the need of the enterprise for trained personnel and (2) its major role in providing training. (CH)