Throughout the world there is a gradual shift towards knowledge- and skills-based economies and societies. Mauritius too is undergoing this transition. The trend is to move away from traditional low-skilled sectors towards the service, financial and information industries. The aim is to position Mauritius as a knowledge hub for the region. Even the traditional sectors, such as agriculture and textiles, are undergoing rapid changes and are increasing in sophistication and technicality. These traditional sectors are compelled to change their strategic thinking from a narrowly focused emphasis on products and markets to a wider focus on human capital. (Mamet and Maurel, 2002). Education and training play central roles in a country's efforts to meet the challenges of globalization and technological development. Changes in the organization of work are resulting in the demand for higher and different skills (ILO, 1998). The knowledge society and today's world of work call for individuals who are able to acquire, adapt, apply and transfer their knowledge to different contexts and under varying technological conditions, and to respond independently and creatively (ILO, 2000a). Core skills that are fundamental for living and working in today's society, for acquiring advanced skills ("trainability") and for making use of new technologies can be acquired by adults given appropriate opportunities. Foundation skills such as literacy, numeracy, citizenship, social skills, learning to learn skills, and the ability to solve problems together are seen to be the basis for employability. These skills have become increasingly important in determining an individual's ability to secure a job, retain employment and move flexibly in the labour market.