OLDER DOGS AND NEW TRICKS - CAREER STAGE AND SELF-ASSESSED NEED FOR TRAINING

Self-assessed training needs, increasingly used in designing, deliveri ng, and targeting training can be systematically affected by factors o ther than actual need. Using a sample of public sector employees, this research investigated the influence of career stage on perceptions of managerial support, training self-efficacy, utility and self-reported training needs. Those in later career stages reported lower training self-efficacy, lower training utility, and less need for management tr aining. Implications for organizations and this growing segment of the work force are discussed.