This booklet is part of the "Getting to Grips with..." series, which is intended for the general reader who wants to understand important trends in vocational education and training. It is designed to provide the reader with an understanding of the concept of key technologies, to describe the potential importance that this way of thinking could have on education, and to provide some practical examples of how it could be introduced. The booklet is in two parts. The first part, a description of the subject matter that should be clear to any interested layperson, covers the following topics: (1) why conceptual thinking must be developed; (2) a definition and discussion of key technologies; (3) ways to recognize key technologies; (4) the application of key technologies leading to innovation; and (5) the role of education, including the permeation of the concept of key technologies into initial education and training and key technologies as the basis for continuing education and training for technicians and engineers. These topics are illustrated by examples from the British experience. The second part gives an annotated list of 17 publications for those who want to read further. Each annotation consists of the author or sponsoring organization, publication data, title, publisher, and content summary. Model assignments are appended. (YLB)