'Social Partnerships', the Market and Trade-Union Involvement in Training: Britain and Germany Compared

Abstract

Interest has arisen in the contribution of vo cational education and training (VET) to national competitiveness as part of more gen eral debates on 'national economic models'. In particular the 'dual system' of the German `model' has been put forward as a more com petitive example than the deregulated and market-based system in Britain. Over the last decade and a half, training has been consider ably overhauled in Britain with the aim of rais ing both the quantity and quality of provision. A range of new initiatives has been introduced without altering the market-driven and volun tarist approach. More recently, policy docu ments have emerged in Britain from both government and opposition on the question of education and training, while in Germany the Kohl regime has launched a '50-point pro gramme' with the intention of labour-market deregulation and cutting non-wage costs. Yet evidence suggests that while the German sys tem itself is now under strain as a result of in creasing unemployment and employer-driven moves towards more flexible labour practices, it nevertheless remains superior in terms of its output and contribution to the country's skills base. This article assesses the core philosophies and approaches within both systems and ex amines the prospects for 'plugging the gap' in training between Britain and Germany. Finally, attention is given to the role of trade unions and collective bargaining as a vehicle for change.