The regionalization of youth training in France

This article assesses the impact of the Employment and Training Act of 1993 , which enhanced the role of the regions in Youth Training policy making. T he changes that have occurred are examined in terms of the concept of gover nance, which has often been criticized for its lack of rigour. The four pre viously distinct sub-sectors of Youth Training policy are analysed, reveali ng significant shifts in relationships within and between them, under the a egis of the regions as local authorities. The article argues that despite t he imprecision of governance as a concept, it is a useful analytical tool, focusing attention on the increasingly flexible, variegated modes of compet itive co-operation which are emerging in this particular policy domain.