When employers and learners achieve a shared understanding of what skills are needed for the jobs of the future and how those skills are counted and valued in the hiring process, learners make more informed decisions about a path to success in the career of their choice, and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are more responsive to industry…

This report presents a case study of the Automotive Manufacturing Technical Education Collaborative (AMTEC), which brings together auto manufacturers and community colleges across 12 states to identify and implement wide-ranging improvements in technical education for automotive manufacturing workers. A "Big Collaboration"--AMTEC…

A national cross section of 2,502 adult Americans and owners or managers of 800 companies in the precision metalworking industry were surveyed to study public attitudes toward working in this industry and to explore recent recruiting and training practices in the precision metalworking field. The survey results indicated that Americans as a whole…

A study was conducted in New York State to quantify the investment made in selected occupational programs at public two-year colleges and the returns from this investment to graduates, employers, and the state government. A survey was mailed to a representative sample of New York State employers with 100 or more employees, covering areas of…

The Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) has conducted labor market assessments in 17 occupations related to its programs. These assessments are an integral component of the EICCD program evaluation process. These assessments provide valuable information in the specific occupational areas regarding (1) characteristics of the local…

Although public policy debate centers on education and training (ET) as a primary determinant of economic success, this study suggests that instead the economy determines patterns of participation in education and training. Research over time shows that planned government ET policies have little ability to affect the economy because the effects of…

A study investigated skill shortages in the electrical and associated industries in Victoria and their nature and contributing factors. Research methods were a literature review, data analysis, and qualitative and quantitative research into apprentices, employers, and practitioners. Findings indicated a decline in the number of apprentices in…

A systems approach to changing labor market performance requires a substantial and enduring commitment to the task of change. A systems reform framework has been developed that is based on a dual-customer approach, with a focus on improving labor market outcomes for both low-income people and their employers. The objective is to change the labor…

Unemployment among young people is a serious and persistent problem in this country. Unemployment rates are especially high among members of minority groups, for high school dropouts, and in economically depressed areas. Vocational education can help to alleviate the problem of unemployment, and a close link between schools and employers can help…

The benefits of offering high school students career and technical education (CTE) in addition to training in basic academic skills and the cost-effectiveness of CTE were examined by reviewing available data on demand, supply, and results for CTE. The analysis confirmed that the market and demand for workers with only a high school education still…

This report presents evidence regarding skill shortages in the electrotechnology trades in Australia that was gathered by an industry-led working group. The report provides data concerning the following aspects of the problem: (1) the demand for skills in the electrotechnology trades (employment levels, growth, and prospects); (2) the supply of…

A study assessed the impact of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Vocational Education's practical nurse program for funding years 1979-1980 (38 programs), 1980-1981 (40 programs), and 1981-1982 (41 programs). Researchers reviewed literature pertaining to the state of the art of health care both in Pennsylvania and across the Nation. Next, they…

The practices and perceptions of Wisconsin employers regarding welfare recipients were examined. First, 500 employers outside the Milwaukee metropolitan area were interviewed by telephone. Those data were merged with data from a survey of Milwaukee-area employers, resulting in a statewide sample of about 1,250 Wisconsin employers (25%, 35%, and…

A project was conducted to improve the state of Washington's community and technical college system by developing and using an improved occupational forecasting system to assess and respond to education and training needs. First, long-term occupational forecast data from Washington's Employment Security Department were matched with technical and…

Occupational supply and demand in Washington State was examined by comparing projected supplies of skilled workers coming out of the state's community and technical colleges against the projected demand among Washington employers for people qualified to enter particular occupations. The analysis was based on a January 2000 report, information…