Demographic, technological, and economic changes are profoundly reshaping the ways in which employers do business, employ workers, and prepare people for the workplace. A population whose average age is increasing, combined with rapid changes in technology and the advent of global competition, challenge the country's long-term economic health. If…

Worker dislocation is a major problem in Wisconsin. Services needed include provision of coping mechanisms, job search methods, and retraining. A partnership between the state and the Wisconsin American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations was created to provide these services and referrals, as well as preventive training…

Despite the soaring stock market, low unemployment, and low inflation rate, the long-term prospects for U.S. economic health remain a cause for concern. Labor productivity has slowed since 1973. As a result of this slowdown, many companies are investing in work force development and new equipment to boost productivity. Long-term economic health…

The U.S. economy is undergoing a transition that may rival the changes produced by the Industrial Revolution. The general directions are clear: an ever smaller share of the nation's work force is employed in the manufacturing sector; service sector industries are the source of most new jobs; and some "high tech" industries have had explosive…

The authors discuss how training managers can deal with functional illiteracy among their worksite students. Recommendations include (1) understand the reading process, (2) use directed reading activity, (3) determine reading level of materials and trainees, and (4) investigate alternative materials. (CH)

The author defines productivity and discusses ways to increase productivity in the workplace, with emphasis on human resource development (HRD). He discusses the use of quality circles, participative management, and layoffs to increase productivity. (CH)

The authors discuss social, economic, and technological changes that are affecting the labor market. They define jobs, work, and careers and discuss evolving career forms, including linear, free form, and mixed form. The role of career development professionals in this transition is outlined. (CH)

Four authors who have experience with contract training present their recommendations for those who want to become contract trainers. Topics covered include program design, audience analysis, and marketing the trainer. (CH)

The author discusses the growing need to keep older workers in the labor force and the need for vocational education to address this population's need for retraining. He presents some of the problems and recommendations for older adult training programs. (CH)

The article highlights some innovative and important approaches to employee training and retraining in anticipation of and in response to technological change. These include both collectively bargained arrangements and new state initiatives that are suggestive for future developments. (CH)

Discusses some of the issues involved in professionalizing human resources planning and implementation at the national level. Issues include (1) incorporating human resources into national development, (2) demand considerations, (3) using the skill supply system, (4) obstacles to effectiveness, and (5) enhancing roles of social partners. (CH)

Describes the evolution of government labor force development policy in Hong Kong, which has a developing market economy. Discusses the private sector's approach to training the labor force and covers salient features of the system that are likely to determine future orientations. (CH)

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor and the New Jersey Department of Labor indicate that: (1) in mid-1977, 40 million women were working, meaning that women composed 41% of the nation's labor force; (2) in New Jersey, women composed 30% of the state's labor force; and (3) both nationally and on a state-wide basis, employment for…

The author describes the growing movement toward accreditation for human resources development professionals. She covers the issue of diversity, undergraduate versus graduate degrees, and future trends. (CH)

The author states that the trade deficit and the foreign debt reflect the inability of a large percentage of the U.S. work force to compete in an integrated world economy. He argues that investing in human capital is the only way to solve the competitiveness problem. A review of recent and current influences on the educational system is included.…