Training issues for the European automotive industry

Abstract

Provides an overview of the results of an investigation carried out for the European Commission. Aims to identify themes and issues in the field of continuing training in the European automotive industry. A large number of interviews were carried out in all the major car manufacturing countries of Europe, and a series of case studies were done on training projects funded by the European Commission within the framework of the FORCE programme on continuing training. Shows that training has become a key element in a far‐reaching process of restructuring which is currently under way in the industry. Identifies major fields of interest including training for new work structures; training for co‐makership; and new methods and approaches for learning while working. Larger numbers of people are trained than ever before, especially in production. Claims an increasing use of information technology (expert systems) for training is being signalled.