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Examines the experiences of Germany and Sweden in their attempts to develop core skills and key competencies among trainees and young employees. Particular attention is devoted to vocational training as a promising school‐to‐work transition process, which stimulates and supports the development of core skills. Some case study material (Germany) and relevant policy responses (Sweden) have also been used to go beyond mere theoretical considerations and to provide some practical help and guidance when it comes to defining, implementing, assessing and administering the concepts of core skills and key competencies. In particular, the paper highlights the importance of employer enthusiasm in the development and delivery of core skills.

The successive rise in the importance of the oil and gas industry in Scotland has generated tremendous economic growth. Scotland’s dependence on oil and gas related employment has increased dramatically over the years since the first oil strike in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) in September 1969. This study is able to identify that Exploration and Appraisal (E&A) activity within the oil and gas industry in the UK is a strong determinant of the rise and fall of employment. There is a clear and strong positive correlation between these two variables.