Analysis of Modern Apprenticeships (n=2,222) in Devon and Cornwall was conducted in four industries: engineering manufacturing, hospitality, construction, and agriculture. Apprenticeship appeared to be a feasible vocational alternative to full-time education, attracting high-quality students. Trainers and career counselors played a crucial role in…

Describes how the British Post Office's training and development function evolved a human resource strategy designed to help individuals add value to the organization and apply thinking skills. Shows how the trainers' role shifted from classroom teacher to consultant and project manager. (SK)

A research review indicates that British employers are neither highly involved in nor satisfied with National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) despite claims for their role in providing needed skills. The review suggests that public funding of training should not be determined by the NVQ agenda or the objectives of the professional training lobby.…

For disadvantaged youth who leave school without vocational qualifications, as well as unskilled 20-30 year olds, a combination of work and initial vocational training is an especially suitable strategy. Constant supportive counseling and adapted examinations would also help. (SK)

Includes four theme articles: "Some Remarks on Modular Training in the Federal Republic of Germany" (Zedler); "Modular Initial and Continuing Education and Training: A Comparative Survey of the Education System in the United Kingdom and Germany" (Hammer); "Modules in Vocational Training" (Wiegand); and…

A study of the software industry, in which required skills change rapidly and skills shortages frequently occur, showed how work projects were designed with restricted opportunities for workers to acquire new skills. Skill development was not valued by management. The industry may thus be abetting its own skills shortage. (SK)

Perceptions, attitudes, and job outcomes of participants in four British preemployment government-sponsored training programs were compared (78 job club, 95 work-based training, 52 Jobplan, 106 New Deal) were compared. Respondents in job club and work-based training had positive reactions and consequently got more jobs. Responses will provide…

Describes the cooperative economic development program developed between the Maricopa Community Colleges, Arizona, and Chengdu, China. The colleges are assisting Chinese policy leaders in restructuring needed training for newer, modern, and usually western economic approaches, aided by U.S. community college training program models. Reports on…

Argues that global diversity has become a business imperative in today's business climate. Global diversity is of core importance even for companies that are considered domestic. Suggests community colleges need help in understanding their customer base and their shifting values in order to meet their needs and win customer loyalty. (NB)

A study of 98 Iowa businesses found significantly more positive perceptions of supported employment by employers who had hired supported employees than those who had not. Large businesses were found to have more positive perceptions than small businesses. Extra training/supervision demands and lack of skills were cited as concerns. (Author/CR)

Includes "Toward Construct Validation of a Transfer Climate Instrument" (Holton et al.); "Improving Positive Transfer: A Test of Relapse Prevention Training on Transfer Outcomes" (Burke); "Invited Reaction: Progress or Relapse?" (Newstrom); "Invited Reaction: Theory, Research, and Practice" (Tang);…

Describes, within the political context, European Union cooperative efforts for educational quality, recognition of qualifications, and open/distance learning. Concludes that success depends on the diversity of education and training systems in Member States. (SK)

Describes a formative evaluation of a one-day introductory computer-based training course for university employees using a new online financial and purchasing system. Evaluated the effectiveness of the training, identified appropriate revisions that were incorporated into the training program, and examined learner attitudes toward the course.…

Provides an overview of the current status of university and on-the-job training in Mexico based on a series of in-depth interviews with influential figures in both classroom-based, educational settings and on-the-job professional development settings. Concludes that journalism education in Mexico is undergoing significant change. (SG)

Analysis of data from electrical and associated occupations in the Australian state of Victoria shows the following: (1) a decline in numbers of apprentices; (2) numbers of women and other disadvantaged groups not increasing in apprenticeships; and (3) skill shortages on the supply side that will be exacerbated at both ends of the age spectrum if…