Part of the South Carolina technical education system which helps the state attract new industry, Appalachia Tri County Technical College plays a significant role in the preparation of appropriately trained technical workers and in the establishment of new industry in the area. (SB)

Analyzes the economic performance of all United States counties for 1970, 1980, and the mid 1980s and compares Appalachian counties with all counties in the nation using population, income, unemployment, and urbanization to measure different aspects of economic change. Includes data tables and maps. (JHZ)

Upgrading workers' skills to ensure continued regional economic growth was the theme emerging from a three-day Appalachian regional conference. Participants discussed problems and made recommendations in four workshops: Future Jobs in Appalachia; Directions for Vocational Education; State Training to Support Economic Development; and Improving…

Describes the Fund for Appalachian Industrial Retraining (FAIR) program, which has trained over 14,000 multiskilled workers in Appalachian manufacturing in the last four years. FAIR works with firms in 18 Appalachian Ohio counties, arranging onsite and offsite programs and providing matching funds for customized training. (SAS)

Describes riverboat deckhand training program operated by East Mississippi Community College and local river towing companies. Residential program trains deckhands using actual towing equipment, including boat and "quarters barge" with classroom. Describes trainees' rigorous workday, including classes, hands-on drills, and physical…

Business, community members, and county government cooperated in establishing a literacy center in Catoosa County, Georgia, that provides free GED classes; courses in English, math, basic reading, computer skills, and parenting; and classes offered by a local technical college. Free classes, child care, and GED tests and a flexible schedule remove…

The Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center and the Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program (Virginia) cross-train and upgrade workers' skills to adapt to changing workplaces and keep companies and communities competitive; customize curriculum to meet employers' needs; and provide GED and other adult education programs. (SAS)

Discusses factors involved in locating new BMW car-manufacturing plant in South Carolina. Discusses state's business environment, transportation, and education system. Describes development process, site selection, and implications for economic development. Describes importance of state's labor-force development via regional technical colleges and…

The Appalachian Regional Commission voted its commitment, including $1 million funding, to help states upgrade employment/basic skills to address current labor market needs, create new jobs in the region, and increase productivity. Also voted to support extension of the Vocational Education Act. Research priorities included modernizing vocational…