Skills development on the ground: Formal and alternative approaches by firms

This chapter investigates forms of knowledge sourcing for skills development other than formal approaches, including knowledge intensive service activities (KISA). A web-based survey questionnaire was supplied to firms in the participating countries. Analysis of the data obtained includes: skill levels of the employees (low, medium, high) age bracket country preferred training methodology (vocational education and training versus KISA) types of skills outcomes from training by employee, company and local region effects effects of the financial crisis on training activities and motivations for skills development. Finally, policy implications resulting from this analysis are outlined, including noting that the types of skills development appear to be linked to the existing skill levels of employees, which is of importance because of its potential impact upon low-skilled workers’ future employability.