Industry Training: The Factors that Affect Demand. Discussion Paper.

A study was conducted in Australia, to determine the factors that affect demand for job training. The study consisted of 30 detailed industry case studies, an industry analysis, and a literature review. Each case study examined current training practices, training decision making in the business, and the determinants of training for the enterprise. Industries studied included manufacturing (food processing and electronics) and construction. For each case study, information was provided on the following: the firm, the organization and management of training, the determinants of training, and the impediments to training. The findings were then synthesized across industries. Some of the findings were as follows: (1) training is primarily an operational, not a strategic issue in companies; (2) there were as many outcomes for training as there were companies studied; (3) the quality assurance movement has had a major impact; (4) the mix of company needs and individual needs for training is confusing; and (5) there is a lack of understanding of the national training reforms. (Contains 20 references) (KC)