The Evolving Role of the Non-Managerial Workforce.

Between 1992 and 1995, 2,117 nonmanagerial employers in 31 public and private sector organizations throughout the United Kingdom were interviewed for the following purposes: analyzing the need for training and development (T&D); obtaining feedback on existing training provision; identifying barriers to T&D that might affect individuals' ability to participate in training and adapt to change; and establishing a partnership approach to the T&D of nonmanagerial employees. Many of those interviewed saw a need for additional training in the following areas: written skills (44%); oral skills (26%); math skills (22%), and computer skills (39%). A majority of interviewees stated that their training had been limited and that, although training opportunities were improving somewhat, many difficulties and barriers to training remained. Among the other concerns/problems identified were the following: poor initial introduction to the job and inadequate on-the-job training; no tradition of training; low expectations by management of employees' capabilities; poor communication skills because of poor experiences at school and deterioration of skills through lack of use; and lack of confidence in ability to cope in learning situation. The interview findings were examined in the broader context of the challenge of providing training in an atmosphere of increasing competition. (Contains 10 references.) (MN)