Britain's Training Deficit

In Britain, as in other industrial countries, competitive success over the next few decades will depend to a very large extent on the skills of its labour force. The British education and training system has traditionally provided academic excellence for the few, but has failed to offer high-quality vocational education for the majority of young people. Despite the training reforms of the 1980's, some fundamental problems remain unsolved. Above all, the incentives for employers to ensure training of a high standard, and for employers to undertake it, remain inadequate. This book presents proposals for giving Britain the first-class training system which it needs. Backed by research papers which examine the role of individuals, employers, trade unions and government, the book should be useful for anyone concerned with training policy at national, local or company level.