The training myth: a critique of the government's response to youth unemployment and its impact on further education
Abstract
In December 1981, the Conservative government produced their White Paper on training (‘A New Training Initiative: A Programme for Action’). It introduces compulsory training for unemployed 16-year-olds at nominal wages. (1) It signifies the final stage in a process in which youth ‘training’ has become a form of social control, rather than concentrating on reproducing skills.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Education Systems and Policy
Youth Education and Societal Dynamics
Education
sociology
and vocational training
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 254–276
- Publication date
- 6 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter