Asserts that many people who seek education to improve their job skills or upgrade their positions are becoming frustrated with inconvenient learning opportunities, and are pursuing alternatives to traditional higher education. Describes the Workforce Development Continuum initiative, which aims to develop a seamless education and training system…

Argues that the constantly changing workplace and the need for workers to be adaptable requires changes in postsecondary curricula. Suggests that jobs created by the new economy will require higher skills. Argues that the new economy will blur demarcations that exist between community colleges, proprietary schools, and other postsecondary…

Identifies societal trends increasing the need to retrain older workers for second careers. Sees community colleges as an important resource for retraining older workers and describes some pioneering programs. Identifies key program components (e.g., employment skills for mature adults, ties to regional employers, achievement expectations), and…

Discusses a 50-state survey by the National Council for Continuing Education regarding the issue of funding for noncredit courses in community colleges. Reports that 17 states include noncredit courses for funding on an FTE basis, and that no states fund hobby, avocational, or recreation non-credit classes. Argues that lifelong learning is a…

Asserts that institutional planning for workforce development programs should be based on serving four major workforce segments: emerging workers, transitional workers, entrepreneurs, and incumbent workers. Suggests that a typical college be divided into four components to deal with these different workers and their differing educational and…

Getting people back to work has become a national concern. The nation's economy lost jobs as of July 2003 for six months in a row, dealing another blow to a slow reviving labor market. According to the Labor Department, 486,000 jobs disappeared from the economy. And, the Employment Development Department in California reported a decline of 21,800…