A comprehensive guide to all the main labour market initiatives and agencies combining education and employment in the UK, this encyclopaedia presents an historical progression from the Guilds and Statute of Artifices in 1563 through to present day initiatives and changes. Fully cross-referenced throughout, with a full list of acronyms, bibliographic and internet resources, the encyclopaedia includes: Detailed descriptions of all major government initiatives connecting education, training and employment Documentation covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and initiatives in Ireland up to Irish independence A brief history of education and employment in the UK Chronological history of Government Departments Outlines of all major public agencies and qualifications An extensive glossary of acronyms Information on rarely recorded and inaccessible historical documents With over 1500 entries, this encyclopaedia crosses knowledge boundaries providing for the first time an integrated map of national human capital development. It addresses: preschool initiatives, primary, secondary, further and higher education; vocational education and training; labour market interventions including those designed to return people to employment; and, government strategies designed to enhance economic and technological competitiveness. The cross-referenced structure provides connections to associated items and a chronological tracing of agencies and initiatives. This encyclopaedia will appeal to those involved in all aspects of education, training, employment, careers information, advice and guidance; and policy making.