S. J. Prais – författare

The continuing development of automated production methods, combined with increasing competition from low-wage developing economies, is likely to reduce yet further the scope for the employment of low-skilled and inexperienced personnel in advanced economies. Higher standards of schooling and of vocational training are now widely recognised as essential. Based on visits by expert teams over the last ten years to matched samples of manufacturing plants, as well as to schools and vocational colleges in Britain and the European Continent, this book provides a realistic analysis of what needs to be done. The emphasis is on the need to expand, not the proportion of the workforce with university qualifications, but those with craft and vocational qualifications. The findings of this research have been influential in the development of government policies, and the author explains why these policies need to move even further, and in which directions they must next move.

Switzerland is universally respected for its highly successful economy. It has long enjoyed low unemployment and inflation, and an exceptionally satisfactory transition process for youngsters from school to work. This book provides a nuts-and-bolts comparison of how that more successful transition is brought about. It explains the different emphases of Swiss secondary schooling by focusing on the way in which both academic and practical subjects are taught. The different ways in which career guidance and spells of work experience are handled in Britain and Switzerland are also compared.