Vocational Training in France and Britain: the Building Trades

The emphasis placed in Germany on vocational training and education was explored in previous studies by the Institute. These drew attention to: the greater numbers with vocational qualifications there than in Britain; the generally broader scope of German training, leading to greater adaptability in the face of technological progress; more extensive preparation at school for subsequent training; and the consequences for productivity (see National Institute Economic Review, August 1983 and February and May 1985). This article presents the first of a series of similar comparisons for France and Britain, with particular attention to French full-time vocational secondary schools for 14-17 year olds.