""Job placement has been the traditional goal of labour and employment policies, but this report argues otherwise. To stay competitive in a globalised economy, governments must also strive to enhance the skills of workers, increase their productivity and provide upward mobility to immigrants and the disadvantaged. This report provides valuable insights into how labour policies can be expanded to meet economic development and social cohesion goals, while also reconciling national and local concerns.   Studies from seven OECD countries are presented (Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States), each analysing attempts to expand workforce development policies and bridge the gap between national and local initiatives. Included are various types of government/private sector partnerships in the United States, regional training in France and Australias efforts to customise policies to local needs. Based on the country studies, the report then makes specific recommendations and suggestions on how workforce development policies can be expanded and improved.

Table of Content :

Executive Summary
PART I. INTRODUCTION AND FINDINGS
Chapter 1. A Broader Agenda for workforce Development by Sylvain Giguère
Chapter 2. The Governance of Workforce Development: Lessons Learned from the OECD Experience by Sylvain Giguère
PART II. COUNTRY STUDIES
Chapter 3. The United States: How Partnerships Can Overcome Policy Gaps by Randall W. Eberts
Chapter 4. France: Bridging Regional Training and Local Employment by Xavier Greffe
Chapter 5. Germany: The Local Impact of Labour Market Reforms by Hugh Mosley and Petra Bouchè
Chapter 6. The United Kingdom: Boosting the Role of Cities in Workforce Development by Dave Simmonds and Andy Westwood
Chapter 7. Australia: Local Employment Strategies and Address Diversity by Cristina Martinez-Fernandez
Chapter 8. Japan: Rural Areas' Needs for Local Employment Strategies by Yoshio Higuchi
Chapter 9. Korea: Proposal for a New Type of Partnership by Hyo-Soo Lee