More Than Just Jobs
Workforce Development in a Skills-Based Economy
"Job placement” has been the traditional goal of labour and employment policies, but this report argues otherwise. To stay competitive in a globalised economy, governments must also strive to enhance the skills of workers, increase their productivity and provide upward mobility to immigrants and the disadvantaged. This report provides valuable insights into how labour policies can be expanded to meet economic development and social cohesion goals, while also reconciling national and local concerns. Studies from seven OECD countries are presented (Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States), each analysing attempts to expand workforce development policies and bridge the gap between national and local initiatives. Included are various types of government/private sector partnerships in the United States, regional training in France and Australia’s efforts to customise policies to local needs. Based on the country studies, the report then makes specific recommendations and suggestions on how workforce development policies can be expanded and improved.
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The United Kingdom: Boosting the Role of Cities in Workforce Development
It is in cities that full employment will ultimately be achieved or missed. Full employment in our largest cities will create the most socially inclusive society. To be in a position to achieve this outcome, cities need local government to have more powers over the processes that drive economic competitiveness and social cohesion. These needs are reflected in the government agenda for cities, employment and skills governance in the United Kingdom, which is changing rapidly with major reviews and announcements. Yet the changes to be made are significant and have implications for the way policies are designed and implemented across several government departments, and involve regional and local organisations. It is clear that major policy changes are being implemented, but the United Kingdom also needs to learn directly from best practice in other countries as new policy frameworks are developed and implemented.
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