This text focuses on the late-1990s changes in education and training policy, mainly in the UK. It explores the wider contexts in which such policies have been developed and draws out the connections between changes taking place in work processes and the identities of those who have to prepare for the flexible work roles required by 1990s labour markets. It also explores the nature of political agency in the development of education and training policy in recent years, and looks at the agendas, strategies and discourses which have underpinned a number of policy changes.