Disentangling Factors behind Training Participation in Italy

Abstract

This paper analyses the pattern of training participation in Italy. Employing a new survey conducted on a large sample of individuals, we develop a model of bilateral training choices. In order to distinguish between workers and employers choices, we estimate a structural bivariate probit model whose identification relies on some mild assumptions on sample selection. With this approach we attempt to overcome the informative limitations of training participation probability estimates referred to reduced form models. The training participation probability depends on individual, job-specific and firm’s characteristics. Among the most relevant results, we find that females demand as much training as males and suffer from poorer chances of firm-provided training. Similarly, employees with a temporary contract are rationed even if their demand is in line with that of their permanent colleagues. Conversely, the lower participation of parttimers is explained by lower demand. A stance for more targeted training public policies is derived.