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…

Comprehensiveness is the key to the success of Job Corps programs. Corps centers attempt to rectify deficiencies in social attitudes, self-esteem, drug/health problems, and work habits, while providing intensive skill training and work experience to economically and educationally disadvantaged youth. (SK)

Business needs vocational education graduates with a strong business education and with occupational skill training based on clear theoretical understanding. Local business needs a close working relationship with the local vocational education community. Business could become the most important ally and supporter of the schools. (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)

Vocational education is a must if the United States wishes to compete with the Europeans and Japanese. It cannot be relegated to secondary status in schools. The federal government must play a major role in seeing to a balanced approach to the economic and social goals of vocational education. (CT)

The author provides an example of how an individualized competency-based skills training program available for secondary students of all abilities can assist those who intend to seek advanced placement in postsecondary training in vocational-technical education or college education. (CT)

The Boston Compact is a written agreement between the school system and the business community under which businesses agree to hire high school graduates in permanent jobs, provided that the schools prepare students through a program of career education, job readiness, and employability skills. (SK)

Describes a computer interactive-video learning system that offers new trainees an opportunity to pace themselves through an open-entry, open-exit, competency-based program. Elements of the system, including a work station, study guide, individualized instruction, company response, and program benefits, are discussed. (CT)