A study shows little congruence between in-company continuing training and the following objectives of a European Commission white paper on lifelong learning: encouraging acquisition of new knowledge, bringing school and business sectors closer together, combating exclusion, developing proficiency in languages, and raising investment in training…

Spanish labor force data show that distinctions between initial and continuing training are blurring. Training paths begin to diverge in school, and there is a clear relationship between access to training and family/educational background. Continuing training for the least advantaged needs attention. (SK)

The Ford factory in Cologne, Germany, uses a variety of flexible learning methods to enable unskilled and semiskilled workers to acquire vocational qualifications. Methods include tutorials, simulations, micro worlds, and hypermedia databases. (SK)

Identification of the training and development needs of administrative support staff is not aided by conventional performance appraisal, which measures summary or comparative effectiveness. Meaningful diagnostic evaluation integrates three levels of analysis (organization, task, and individual), using behavioral expectation scales. (SK)

Examines the nature of journalism and describes career paths. Details the development and training available and highlights characteristics of a good journalist. (JOW)

German participants in vocational training have the opportunity to gain practical work experience abroad. The project requires close cooperation among educational institutions, companies, chambers of commerce, and European Union entities. It has the potential to enhance the German dual training system with internationally portable qualifications.…

Examines the role of peer coaching in effective in-house staff training programs. Guidelines to the initiation, monitoring, and evaluation of coaching programs are offered, and the benefits of this approach for staff and clients are discussed. (nine references) (CLB)

Raher than bemoan the lack of leadership potential among younger employees, McDonnell Douglas Corporation has embarked on a comprehensive strategy of on-the-job development for staff members at all levels of the organization. Three types of rotational training are being used to address corporate, functional, and intracompany needs. (Author)

Discusses a broad spectrum of role expectations and negative assumptions thrust upon the communications consultant hired to teach business communication to adult employees of companies. Suggests useful tactics to deal with these behaviors. (SR)

Discusses government training programs in Canada and how they might be improved; the need for a more comprehensive training strategy; and apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs. (JOW)

The myth of the workerless factory has exploded and industry and education are teaming up to turn out more and better metalworkers. (JOW)

Profiles Finnish government employees--10 percent of the Finnish labor force. Describes preservice and inservice training and the effect of such trends as use of technology, transfer of activity from the private to the public sector, and European unification. (SK)

Studied reasons for nonparticipation in continuing education to determine whether women in traditionally female professions faced specific deterrents. Analysis of responses from a random sample of 909 nurses (of 2,063 surveyed) found five clusters of reasons: low priority for work-related education, absence of external incentives, incidental…

The author discusses the establishment and objectives of private industry councils (PICs). Such topics as local decision making, private sector representation, on-site evaluations, and summer jobs programs are covered. Emphasis is on the Atlanta, Georgia PIC. (CH)

Reviews the status of federal initiatives to reform the U.S. employment and training system (one-stop career centers, skill standards, School-to-Work Opportunities Act). Notes uncertainties regarding the effect the new Congress will have on attempts to improve the system. (SK)