Flexibility, learning and risk: work, training and early careers in England and Germany Available to Purchase

The transitions of early adulthood and early careers are becoming increasingly disorderly and less predictable than in the past. These changes can be seen as manifestations of the “risk society”. Based on surveys and biographical interviews of the life and early career experiences of young adults in Germany and England, generates some insights into the relationships between “transition behaviour” and career outcomes, with reference to contrasting labour markets and the interfaces between personal lives, work and learning. While focusing on comparisons between the labour markets in the former West Germany, reference is also made to the emerging situation in the eastern part of Germany. Concludes that policies are required which develop active transition behaviours in young adults,while providing social and economic support to finance studies, reduce risk for the most vulnerable and promote active and autonomous modes of learning trajectories in adult life.