Public employment services are usually the dominant government institution responsible for providing a variety of active labour market programmes, but their capacity often needs strengthening. In addition, recent international trends in the growth of private employment agencies and the outsourcing of public services provide new ways for public and private agencies to work together. There is an urgent need to involve the social partners more closely in discussions on training policy and skills development, if the desired reforms and increased investment are to become a reality. It is clear that governments can no longer be the sole voices on education and training. The more successful training systems are underpinned by a strong social dialogue process. We have to promote active labour market programmes, including effective approaches to skills acquisition and development, in formal and informal settings, for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market – including those with disabilities.
