Multi-skilling in small- and medium-sized engineering firms: evidence from Wales and Germany

Article Abstract:

Workers in European manufacturing firms are becoming increasingly multi-skilled, in response to the rise of technological innovations, decentralization and smaller firms. A study into multi-skilling developments of selected Welsh and German small to medium sized engineering companies found German workers were driven more by job security than motivation to embrace multi-skilling, whereas Welsh workers were more willing to embark on multi-skilling initiatives. This could be a result of the UK education system, which encourages practical learning rather than theory.

Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs), Labor Training & Services, Manufacturing industry, Manufacturing industries, Human resource management, Engineering services, Engineering firms, Manpower policy

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Skills-based full employemnt: the latest philospher's stone

Article Abstract:

The gaining of knowledge and skills is is viewed as both a challenge and an important opportunity to achieve a return to full employment. Policies to encourage such up-skilling are necessary, as the abolition of low-skilled worked would reduce the need for social policy. However, individual firms are the main source of vocational skills and many are developing a whole-firm strategy. Government agencies are also trying to work close to firms' needs. There has been a return to apprenticeship models of VET in many countries, but this is not without problems.

Analysis, Full employment policies

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Do work-force skills matter?

Article Abstract:

Investment in skills in the private-sector and government is studied in light of an analysis of the Institute of Economic Affairs' (IEA) publication 'Training Too Much? A Sceptical Look at the Economics of Skill Provision in the UK.' The degree to which present-day policies are likely to create self-sustained economic growth is considered, and the areas in which work-force skills should be improved are also suggested. The IEA publication compares training in Germany with that in the UK.

United Kingdom, Germany, Education

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