Licensed to skill? The impact of occupational regulation on fitness instructors

Abstract

Occupational licensing, which restricts entry to a job to those with certain qualifications, has traditionally been associated with professionals. Can such forms of occupational regulation support skill development and higher wages lower down the labour market? Cross-national comparisons of a specific occupation can highlight differences in regulation and the interaction between skill formation and industrial relations institutions. We compare the regulation of the occupation of fitness instructor in the UK, France and Norway, focusing on the impact on skills and wages, and suggest that while licensing offers some beneficial outcomes, the relationship with these other institutions is critical.