staatlich gefoerderte qualifizierungsprogramme: ein mittel gegen arbeitslosigkeit?

abstract: vocational training programs play a central role among austria's active labour market policies. the authors first point to the relatively low priority attached to the active component of labour market policy in comparison with other countries, e.g. sweden. the training schemes promoted include in-plant training and training in external institutions. originally their primary function was to mobilize additional labour force reserves. with the worsening of the economic situation there has been a shift to the task of securing employment. the authors discuss in which way such programs fulfill this purpose. an important conclusion is reached that the intended effect on the labour market situation can only be expected if distributional and integrational aspects are controlled. in this case the instrument has the capacity to counter the deterioration of the unemployment-structure. finally a perspective is developed which combines training and work-duration policies.;