Mathematics in vocational youth training for the building trades in Britain, France and Germany

Main points

• This paper examines the standards of mathematics that young trainees in the construction industry are expected to achieve in Britain, France and Germany in the course of their training. The aims of the former City and Guilds, German Berufsabschluss and French CMP building quaIifications were focused on practical trade requirements for building caIcuIations and aIl aimed for a similar standard. The change in 1991 from City and Guilds to National Vocational Qualifications has resulted in a drastic reduction of mathematics content in British training courses. The drive by the Department of Employment to increase numbers qualifying whiIe increasing empIoyers’ share of funding of youth training are identified as principal reasons for the reduction in the general education content of British training courses.