Occupation-specific human capital and local labour markets

Author: Groen, Jeffrey A.

Source: Oxford Economic Papers, Volume 58, Number 4, October 2006 , pp. 722-741(20)

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Abstract:

Most skills acquired through on-the-job training may be specific to an occupation and therefore transferable to some but not all firms. This paper explores the relationship between the size of the local market for an occupation-specific skill and job-training outcomes. The Stevens (1994) model of training predicts that as market size increases, job turnover increases and training becomes more general. I test these predictions using data on blue-collar workers and variation in market size across US metropolitan areas. The empirical results support the theoretical predictions and the impacts are most relevant at low levels of market size.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oep/gpl017

Publication date: 2006-10-01

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Oxford Economic Papers is a general economics journal, publishing refereed papers in economic theory, applied economics, econometrics, economic development, economic history, and the history of economic thought. It occasionally publishes survey articles in addition to original papers. Books are not reviewed, but substantial review articles are considered. The journal occasionally publishes survey articles in addition to original papers, and occasionally publishes special issues or symposia.