Concerns over the supply of highly-skilled (HS) science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workers are well established and have been a feature of policy discourse in the UK for more than 50 years. Since the 2016 referendum on leaving the European Union, these concerns have been exacerbated by uncertainty about the movement of labour…

The European labour market is challenged by changes in the demographic composition of the labour force and increasing work complexities and processes. Skills forecasting makes useful contribution to decisions by policy-makers, experts and individuals. In this publication, Cedefop presents the latest results of skills supply and demand forecasts.…

This report provides an updated statistical overview of vocational education and training (VET) and lifelong learning in European countries. These country statistical snapshots illustrate progress on indicators selected for their policy relevance and contribution to Europe 2020 objectives. The indicators take 2010 as the baseline year and present…

This research examines innovative solutions developed by the vocational education and training (VET) sector in response to skill shortages in the health sector. The study focuses on VET-trained workers in the health industry, and includes enrolled nurses, nursing assistants, personal care assistants, allied health assistants and Aboriginal and…

In 2004 NCVER invited proposals from a consortia of researchers to address questions relating to changing work skill needs and work organisation arrangements and their implications for the vocational education and training sector. The National Institute of Labour Studies, Flinders University, and the Centre for Post-compulsory Education and…

Analysis of Australian data on distribution of employment across skill groups and growth of hours worked concluded that the relative demand for skilled workers is rising and growth in low-skill work is virtually nil. (SK)

Undergraduate applications to civil engineering courses have been declining at an alarming rate despite the industry's healthy economic activity. Concerns abound as to the long-term impact of this decline as the sector is already suffering skills shortages across virtually all of its occupations. This paper investigates the likely future trends in…

Australian census data were analyzed to determine how the transition to a knowledge economy has altered the character of jobs. Of 340 occupations, 84 declined and 64 doubled in overall employment. Occupations dominated by women and part-time workers grew fastest. The knowledge economy has had ambiguous effects; many workers are underemployed.…

In the 1960's academics, politicians, administrators and industrialists became convinced of the importance of education for economic development. The forecasting of qualified manpower needs was able to turn this new idea into practice. During the decade hundreds of manpower forecasts were made, and innumerable international conferenceses were held…

Discusses recent changes in Canada's labor market. Examines the role of "visible minorities" in the labor force. Presents a forecast of anticipated changes for visible minorities in the Canadian labor market by the year 2000. Examines possible changes in the United States' labor market and the implications on Canada. (JS)

The authors contend that problems associated with rapid population growth in developing countries must be tackled through comprehensive planning. They discuss impacts of demography on labor supply and demand and migration. Then they propose a practical framework for population and human resource development planning and policy formation. (SK)

Outlines structure of the library and information workforce in the United Kingdom, identifies its component parts, and traces developments since 1960 with emphasis on the expansion and decline of established employment markets, emerging markets, and balance between supply and demand of professionals. Future developments are predicted based on…

In 1998, foreign economic crises lowered the demand for U.S. goods and reduced U.S. manufacturing jobs. Hiring increased in construction, finance, and government. Unemployment was low throughout the year. (Author)

Analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 1987-2001 identified patterns in nursing employment. Overall, the Australian labor force increased 29%; nursing occupations increased only 18%. The number of nursing workers per 100,000 population has steadily declined. The average age of nursing workers increased significantly; the proportion…

Despite wide publicity and common usage, the concept of skills shortage has different meaning to different people depending on their perspective. Understanding the different concepts of skills shortages, their measurement and the causes of skill shortages is important if sound policies are to be developed in the areas of employment, education,…