First published in 1975, Retraining and Tradition reflects the challenges and dynamics of its era, a time when rapid technological advancements were beginning to reshape traditional approaches to skills acquisition and employment. As industries evolved, the long-standing model of apprenticeships—once a cornerstone of secure, lifelong careers—was increasingly disrupted, with workers often required to change jobs and acquire new skills multiple times throughout their careers.

This book examines the post-training experiences of adult trainees who were trained by the Government in trades traditionally requiring youth apprenticeships. It also explores the broader implications for skilled workers and their trade unions as they grappled with the retraining dilemma. By tracing the historical trajectory of skilled manual labour and questioning conventional classifications of industrial workers, the book seeks to bridge the gap between personnel management and industrial sociology, offering a grounded perspective on the real-world challenges of adapting to a fast-changing industrial world.