Attending to the continous development of competence and professional growth of the personnel has become a critical factor in the success of an organisation. But how should we tackle this challenge of our time? What does it require from the management? What is learning exactly like in the age of postmodernism - or can we talk of learning anymore in the traditional sense of the word? How can vocational training best find its course in the these growth challenges? This article collection concentrates on those challenges which vocational training and the world of work are facing today. 13 articles and 13 leading experts in their fields and distinguished researchers represent versatile approaches to research into working life. The articles are based on wide research which has been conducted primarily in the Vocational Education Research Centre of Tampere University. The book has been divided into two sections. The first section examines the problematic challenge of professional renewal. The leading themes include, among others, an entrepreneur-like course of action, competence and the postmodern and collaboration in the work community. The second section concentrates on the challenges of pedagogic management. The book suits well the studies of vocational and adult education and all professionals interested in the trends of vocational education at the beginning of 2000. The book offers especially inspiring reading for those interested in the collaboration of vocational training and work life.