European policy-making in vocational education and training (VET) needs to be supported by sound evidence. In this report, Cedefop has selected a set of 36 indicators to quantify some key aspects of VET and lifelong learning. The selection was based on the indicators' policy relevance and their importance in achieving the Europe 2020 objectives.…

An overview of recent literature on changes in the nature and patterns of work and their implications for vocational education and training (VET) is offered. Changes in the nature and patterns of work present significant challenges to the VET sector. More women have entered the work force; unemployment has reemerged as a significant factor;…

IN 1966, THE NATION'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED BELOW 4 PERCENT, A 13-YEAR LOW. THE TOTAL PRODUCTION OF GOODS AND SERVICES WAS $58 MILLION MORE THAN IN 1965, AND THE AFTER-TAX INCOME OF AMERICAN FAMILIES INCREASED, AFTER ALLOWING FOR PRICE INCREASES, BY 3.5 PERCENT. THIS PROGRESS RESULTED FROM BUSINESS AND LABOR ACHIEVEMENTS, GRADUALLY IMPROVING…

Argues that current job-training policy in New York City is based on a false premise. Poor education is a serious problem, but the most important failure, the one on which economic policy must focus, is the failure of employers to provide an adequate number of jobs at living wages. (SLD)

Review of research on adolescent employment found the following: (1) employment patterns were relatively unchanged in 40 years; (2) emerging literature challenges the assumption that "floundering" is necessarily bad; and (3) increasing amounts of work negatively affect school performance. Methodological issues include selection bias, sampling…

This paper provides background information for a seminar discussion about basic skills integration in the workplace. It is intended to frame major policy questions for participants. The chief mission of the seminar's sponsoring organization is to develop a common framework among public agencies, private employers, and unions to discuss policies…

A study examined the extent to which employers in the United Kingdom (UK) are involved in the youth labor market and in the UK's Training Credits model within the South London Training and Enterprise Council (SOLOTEC) area. Data were collected from the following sources: review of labor market trends; qualitative interviews with 36 employers…

A study examined Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) coordination and program activities for fiscal year 1983. To gather data for the study, researchers reviewed literature on the delivery of CETA services, compared these delivery practices with delivery strategies employed in such CETA predecessors as the Manpower Training and…

A study explored the feasibility of research on the impact of flexible work patterns on the educational and training opportunities available to women in low-status jobs. Intended to provide a basis for a more informed discussion of policy questions pertaining to flexible worktime, the study involved a review of related literature, a series of…

The Business Roundtable prepared this paper to: (1) help policymakers and the public better understand the facts about the United States' role in the worldwide economy; (2) offer context and perspective on employment trends; and (3) recommend a package of policies that will stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, create jobs and help workers…

Lithuania experienced strong negative changes to gross domestic product (GDP) after independence, but the trend has reversed since 1994. Labor force participation and employment rates for 15-64 year-olds has decreased; the unemployment rate is 17 percent. Employment has increased in the services sector but decreased in agriculture, which accounts…

A study examined the training required for a wide range of occupations in which workers use computers or computer-controlled equipment. It was determined that although computer use is widespread and growing rapidly, relatively few workers (about 5 percent) need extensive education or training in computer-related skills. Because most workers…

Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students in California comprehensive high schools and Regional Occupational Centers/Programs spend about one million hours a day on vocational education. California students who took a concentrated sequence of high school vocational subjects during 1981 had a 26 percent unemployment rate in the spring of 1982, compared…

This report was written for the Technology Policy Task Force of the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives. The report examines the nature and history of technological change, its impact on large and small firms and their workers, and its policy implications. The paper stresses that individuals, schools, firms,…

The nature of basic computer occupations has changed greatly since the early 1980s. The changes reveal a shift in the respective roles of the sectors of industry associated with computer services (manufacturing and industrial computing). The service sector has adopted the procedures of industry in terms of organization, methods, and quality,…