ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the activities of the Manpower Services Commission (MSC) and the Training Agency (TA) in the fields of education and youth training. It evaluates the role of the MSC/TA in the promotion and instutionalization of ‘vocationalism’ and ‘enterprise culture’. The chapter argues that the rationale, organization and mode of delivery for ‘enterprise initiatives’ illustrates a new and changing role for the TA in managing social and economic change. It focuses on Cleveland which, whilst having high rates of unemployment, has also become a key test site for ‘enterprise’ initiatives. The youth training industry is now so large and complex that a multitude of individuals and organizations are dependent upon it for their livelihood. Many large companies have youth training sections to act as managing agents for their trainees. The chapter outlines the development of enterprise in just two contrasting institutional areas, the Youth Training Scheme and institutions of higher education.
