This paper addresses the puzzle how employers that invest in general human capital can gain an information advantage with respect to the ability of their employees when training is certified by credible external institutions. We apply an established model from the employer-learning literature...

The main purpose of the paper is to examine the effects of trade reform on the skill structure of the urban formal and the informal sectors. Two types of trade reforms are considered here: reduction in tariff and reduction in export subsidy. My analysis shows that a tariff reduction raises...

In the era of globalization and liberation, Indian economy needs skilled and trained personnel in adequate numbers to meet the requirements of the ultimate users such as industries and service sectors. This objective is being catered in India, by Industrial Training Institutes (ITI), at present....

This paper proposes an integrated germ cell model of development based firmly on a cognitive, as distinct from behaviourist, view of learning and on the psychological theory of activity. Uses this to explore how an umbrella concept of skill allied to a learning process suited to modern, flexible...

The German apprenticeship system is often considered a role model for vocational education. Its influence on economic growth and technological progress through the provision of human capital to the workforce is widely acknowledged. But recent declines in the number of apprenticeships have led to...