British Journal of Education & Work

This paper presents an interim report on research into the influence of the European Communities (EC) on the emergence of competence-based models of vocational training in England and Wales between 1979 and 1987. Interactions between the development of the New Training Initiative objectives and the …

The article provides a critical evaluation of functional analysis and its centrality in the competence philosophy underpinning reform of the UK’s national system of vocational qualifications. Definitions and meanings of competence are examined to locate functional analysis in its theoretical context…

This paper outlines the emergence of the competence movement in British education and training, and summarises some salient perspectives from the growing body of research. In this general context it introduces the six papers brought together in this issue. These draw on current work in progress and …

This paper outlines some of the issues emerging from research in to competence based training and assessment, and National Vocational Qualifications. A model for analysing the key purposes of formal assessment systems is suggested and a conceptual framework is presented which uses the notions of use…

Studies of youth employment and training have tended to emphasise the importance of regional differences between labour markets, yet to date there have been few studies of rural areas. Rural areas themselves differ considerably depending upon the nature of the local geography and economy. Thus, the …

This paper examines the significance of work experience schemes and part-time jobs for school pupils within the context of recruitment to youth jobs. Specifically, it focuses on the role played by work experience and part-time jobs in the recruitment of young people to engineering apprenticeships in…

In Britain, the National Council for Vocational Qualifications is developing a new framework of vocational qualifications (NVQs). This paper presents an analysis of the place of this emerging system within the broader context of 16-19 education. The needs for reform of 16-19 provision are identified…

[No abstract available]