Unless strong assumptions are made, nonparametric identification of principal causal effects can only be partial and bounds (or sets) for the causal effects are established. In the presence of a secondary outcome, recent results exist to sharpen the bounds that exploit conditional independence assumptions. More general results, though not embedded…

Experiential learning is an effective educational tool across many academic disciplines, including career development. Nine different institutions bridged by the National Institutes of Health Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training Consortium compared their experiments in rethinking and expanding training of predoctoral graduate students and…

This paper discusses the new task of industry personnel as coaches in the National Dual Training System (NDTS), a newly introduced training initiative for producing k-workers in Malaysia. The decision to introduce this initiative was made by the Malaysian Cabinet on the 19th May 2004 with the hope that it will resolve the issue of skilled workers…

Linkages between the labor market and educational institutions are often less than optimal because institutions have too few business/industry contacts, supply and demand are mismatched, or curriculum development takes too long. International comparisons may contribute to understanding of vocational education and training configurations and…

Describes the role of human resource development (HRD) in the restructuring of the Mexican economy since 1982. Presents new challenges faced by the HRD system, including the influence of the World Bank, and recent changes linked to liberalization of the economy. (SK)

Significant developments in Spanish vocational education are National Program of Vocational Education and Training; 1992 National Agreement on Continuing Training by employers and unions, which established mechanisms for public funding of training; and a second agreement in 1996, which extended the beneficiaries of training and promoted…

Review of national systems identified four models of skill development: (1) market, dominated by capital; (2) corporatist, with more direct government involvement; (3) developmental state, in which government played the leading role; and (4) neo-market, in which highly centralized economic systems resulted in structural weaknesses and…

Comparison of core skills efforts in Germany and Sweden shows that both use vocational training to foster core skills and key competencies, but they try to integrate it with existing structures rather than make radical long-term changes. Employers play a crucial role but need substantial incentives. (SK)

The development of a national youth work training package in Australia began over 15 years ago. The current package sits under the umbrella of the general Community Services Industry Training Package. The first stage of a review of this package has been completed and the subsequent report not only confirms the recent trend towards the…

Presents a model for simultaneously addressing the problems of illiteracy and the counseling requirements of the skill training programs in Third World countries. The model includes advisory committees, needs analysis, staff development and training, program assessment, and a placement and follow-up component. (KH)

Includes "Difficult Metamorphosis of the Social 'Models' of the Nordic Countries" (Goetschy); "Swedish Training System" (Ottersten); "Features of Vocational Education in Finland" (Kyro); "Boom in Apprenticeship Training in Finland" (Vartiainen); "Vocational Training in Austria" (Riemer);…

The Epilepsy Foundation of America, with funding from Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), originated the Training and Placement Services (TAPS) Project for epileptics. Although the majority of epileptics are able to work, employer prejudice has been the principle obstacle to their employment. Several individual cases are described.…

Based on a pilot project at Exeter University (Devon, England) a software audit, comparing number of copies of software installed with number of license agreements, is described. Discussion includes auditing budgets, workstation questionnaires, the scanner program which detects the hardware configuration and staff training, analysis and…

Describes the methods, success, and future prospects of Jobs for America's Graduates, a nonprofit program encouraging cooperation between schools and private employers in identifying, training, and finding suitable employment for students lacking job skills as high school seniors. The program serves 8,000 students annually in eight states. (PGD)

Describes a number of employment projects for low-income persons over age 55 nationwide through the Employment and Training Administration's Senior Community Service Program. Many public and private agencies are program sponsors, some for several years, receiving federal funds through grants to states. (MF)