In England, a new model of apprenticeship was initiated in whose stated intention was to 'put employers in the driving seat'. Regulation of the new model was focused on the mandatory 20% of apprentices' work time allocated to off-the-job training offered by colleges and other training providers. Based on case studies of employers and training…

This research summary provides an overview of aspects of apprenticeships and traineeships in Australia. More particularly, it provides an overview of some of the more enduring issues, or what could be considered the 'pain points' associated with apprenticeships and traineeships. These include issues around congestion, harmonisation, apprenticeship…

Purpose: Apprenticeships in England, while defined by level and typical duration, are not quantified regarding the number of learning hours required to achieve the outcomes specified, as with other regulated qualifications and accredited programmes. This paper proposes an approach to ascribe credit to apprenticeships recognising both…

This paper examines how competency progression and completion is implemented in practice in three trades. In particular, it focuses on: interactions between teachers and/or assessors and workplace supervisors; the different approaches used to integrate on- and off-the job training; assessment and signoff practices; and the ways by which workplace…

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to examine the ways in which Australian companies can achieve high quality apprenticeship and traineeship systems in a time of labour shortage through close attention to the recruitment and development of apprentices and trainees. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on six qualitative case studies…

Interviews with 32 apprentices, 21 employers, and 6 teachers in technical and further education and on-the-job learning environments showed that groups had different perceptions of the complementarity of on- and off-job learning. Learning was complicated by movement among different communities of practice with sometimes contradictory messages.…

Interviews and focus groups with 32 apprentices, 21 employers, and 6 teachers in Australia's construction industry showed that on-the-job learning was perceived as more real and focused on "how"; off-the-job learning was less pressured, broader, more theoretical, and concerns with "why." The different contributions each made to…

This pilot research project analyzes the role related classroom instruction plays in training journeymen in three Boston area trades-machinist, electrician, and operating engineer. Information was gathered from apprentices, journeymen, apprentice coordinators, and others by means of personal interviews and/or mail questionnaires. The data were…

Exemplary projects by unions and colleges are laying the groundwork for successful workers education. The University Studies/Weekend College program at Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) has a classical curriculum in general education that is both lofty and grounded in those areas most engaging to workers. Support of the United Auto Workers and…

This report is an interpretative examination of on- and off-job sites as learning environments. It explores meanings that apprentices, workplace mentors, and technical and further education (TAFE) teachers develop and place on integrated training. Key insights from research on 32 apprentices, 21 host employers, and 6 TAFE teachers in South…

A mail questionnaire survey was made of employment, formal training, and the use of apprenticeships within the metalworking industry for the "growth occupations" of maintenance electrician, tool and die maker, electronic technician, maintenance mechanic, millwright, and welder. Over 2,400 metal working plants in the United States with 500 or more…

A study examined whether there were any differences in the performance of apprentices trained in off-the-job, on-the-job, or in-plant training programs. A 1984 apprentice intake sample of over 500 apprentices and information supplied by 16 in-plant training centers and 9 colleges were used to collect data on the job performance of apprentices in…

A study explored behavioral factors to explain why non-completions were higher among trainees than apprentices. A survey of 797 apprentices and trainees who did not complete training and 462 of their employers was followed by focus groups with new apprentices, employers, and training providers. Findings indicated most new apprentices commenced…

The collection of readings reflects some of the findings of a five year cooperative research project entitled Educational Experiences of Non-College Youth that focused on four areas of occupational training: (1) apprentices, (2) private trade schools, (3) training courses in the armed forces and (4) on-the-job training. Control of training, the…

A study was made in 1964 in Hartford, Connecticut, and Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina, of prospects for employment and upgrading of young male entry workers. Few companies hired workers without a high school diploma; the majority required experience. Personal contact, public employment service, gate hires, and advertisements were the…