The development of a major highly skilled workforce, and a greater attachment to learning among the population as a whole, have become central tenets of the government and private sector’s drive to generate an increasingly competitive economy. Key aspects of this policy thrust are:

(i) the emphasis on increasing qualification attainment and rates of participation in post -16 years education and training among young people, with a concomitant increase in participation in higher education; and (ii) the aspirations embodied in the skills Strategy to enhance the skill levels of the existing work force, and especially those with few or no qualifications. HDL can contribute to research, evaluation, policy formation and more effective practices related to skills and learning through its expertise in:

• Lifelong learning;
• Workforce development;
• Vocational education and training;
• Skill acquisition;
• Employers’ selection and recruitment strategies;
• The role of incentives in enhancing participation in learning.