Course participation, Labour force survey, 2002

The participation rate is now about the same for both males and females.

Highest course participation in financial intermediation

The figures show a drop in the course participation in almost all industries for men, while the female rate is higher in some industries and lower in some, compared to last year. Financial intermediation still has the highest participant rate with 16 per cent. This is however a lower rate than the year before. In education, health and other services the participant rate grew to 14 per cent from 13 per cent last year.

Academic women attend the most courses

Still employees in the occupational major group Professionals attend the most courses, the rate is higher than before with 18 per cent. In these occupations the course participant rate has only increased for women, to 21 per cent. Among managers women also have a higher participant rate than men this year, the rate is 14 per cent for men and 18 per cent for women. The course participation rate for the group Craft and related trades workers shows a decrease due to men not participating.

Young men are seldom participants

In the 2^{n d} quarter of last year 23 000 young men, i.e. 16-29 year old, attended courses, this year the number was only 19 000. Also for men aged 55-59 years there have been a decline.

Concerning women, the results are different. Both the youngest and the oldest women participated to a higher degree than last year. Only the age group 30-39 years attended courses to a lesser degree compared with last year.

Educational background and course participation

There has been a decrease both for male with education on university level and secondary school level. The female rates are at the same level as last year.

Tables:

• Table 1 Employees attending courses, by level of education and sex. 1 000 and per cent
• Table 2 Employees attending courses, by sex and age. 1 000 and per cent
• Table 3 Employees attending courses, by industry. 1 000 and per cent
• Table 4 Employees attending courses, by full-time, part-time and sex. 1 000 and per cent
• Table 5 Employees attending courses, by occupation and sex. 1 000 and per cent