1 in 10 of the population wanting to work took part in labour market training in 2006

In 2006, training accounted for just over 40% of total expenditure on Labour Market Policy (LMP) measures used to actively help and support the unemployed and other disadvantaged groups in the transition from unemployment or inactivity to work. In terms of participants, training is the second most important type of LMP measure after employment incentives and, on average, 3.8 million people – one in ten of the total population wanting to work across the EU – took part in LMP training at any time during 2006. The way in which labour market training is implemented varies between countries. Classroom-based programmes are most common but actions to support the provision of apprenticeship places for particular groups also benefit large numbers of people in some countries. The statistics shown are based on Eurostat's LMP database, which collects information on labour market interventions implemented by the EU Member States and Norway. LMP interventions are classified into three main types – services, measures and supports. This article analyses LMP measures, and in particular training.