Contends that a continued increase in labor force requirements which previously was satisfied by a reduction of farm labor needs, increased workforce participation of women, and a cyclic baby boom, will result in a future labor shortage. Offers a rationale for training and providing support services for the unemployed. (DMM)

After asserting that public institutions should not provide training for nonexistent jobs, this paper reviews problems associated with the accurate prediction of future manpower needs. The paper reviews the processes currently used to project labor force needs and notes the difficulty of accurately forecasting labor market "surprises,"…

Despite predictions in the 1950's and 1960's that computer technology would reduce job opportunities by 90%, historical data published by the Department of Labor reveal that total manpower demands accelerated from 1947 through 1977 and were primarily satisfied by a decreased demand for farm laborers, an increase in percentage of women in the…