| Abstract: | Between 1983 and 1997 New Zealand has undergone major economic and labour market changes moving it from one of the most protected economies and labour markets in the world into one of the most open. During the same period the vocational education and training infrastructure was largely abandoned. In 1992 after a four year gap, major initiatives were put in place to allow a voluntary, industry based, human capital development strategy to grow. This article looks at the historical position of education and training and attempts to evaluate the success of the new approach—suggesting the main human capital initiatives are proving successful when combined with economic reform. |
