Continuing training at SMEs – how are opportunities for employee participation developing?

Continuing training has gained in significance over recent years as labour markets undergo dynamic development and technologisation continues apace. This is also reflected in an increasing commitment to continuing training on the part of companies. There is, however, a difference in the continuing training activities undertaken by companies of different size categories. This article investigates the extent to which small and medium-sized companies have contributed to the rise in continuing training that has taken place across the economy and looks at the nature of the continuing training opportunities offered to the employees of such firms. This is a critical issue because participation in continuing training is an important means of further professional development and represents a significant way of securing or enhancing individual employment and income opportunities.