Unions must increase their participation in the vocational education process, and their representatives must be prepared and trained to serve effectively on advisory councils. Unions should be encouraged to use the vocational education facilities of schools for apprentice and preapprentice classes and to support vocational education funding…

Vocational educators have finally realized that they can offer more to economic development and job creation activities than just training. At places where this realization has spurred action, building linkages and opening channels of communication, vocational programs are succeeding in their efforts to increase employment opportunities. (CT)

The author states that the task of overcoming skill shortages, retooling the workforce and training new workers will be difficult and expensive, but it must be done, and done quickly. A chart listing projected demands for skilled workers by 1987 is included. (CT)

The author describes how vocational educators, with the support of the federal government, have adapted a highly successful job-training program to meet the specific high technology training needs of Illinois firms. The importance of education/business cooperation and of the federal government's role are stressed. (CT)

The author explains that by recruiting and training females for nontraditional occupations, we can double the skilled workforce in worker-short occupations. She discusses recruitment techniques, teacher liaison with employers, workshops, support group meetings, and contacts with role models. Action needed at the federal, state, and school levels…