Describes surveys done by Hartnell College's Salinas Valley Region Business Retention and Economic Advancement Project, which collected data from regional businesses concerning workforce and training issues. Results were used in two ways: (1) to reshape services to specific businesses thereby leading to regional business retention; and (2) by the…

Describes a study conducted to identify whether higher education is responsive to the private sector training market. Findings include that miscommunication between higher education and industry regarding primary training areas acts as a barrier to the success of this mutually beneficial relationship. (10 citations) (YKH)

Discusses the educational system's ability to meet the lifelong learning needs of the American workforce. Proposes strategies to redesign the system to ensure lifelong learning, respond to the changing structure of the workplace, and mainstream workforce training programs. Explores the use of transcripts with training programs to formalize…

Discusses the changing role of instruction at community colleges in the context of the characteristics of community college learners, the knowledge revolution and corresponding new roles of education and business, and the changing nature of work. Provides eight recommendations for ensuring that colleges remain leaders in workforce training. (AJL)

Describes the Industry Quality Teams (IQTs) at Florida's Valencia Community College, an institution-wide effort to link the needs of a contemporary workforce to the classroom curriculum. Reviews the structure and functions of the college's six IQTs, indicating that they work to revise curricula, develop partnerships, implement marketing…

Describes the partnership between Deere & Company and Black Hawk College that provided a training program for John Deere suppliers, resulting in a cost-effective approach to upgrading supplier skills and improving Deere product quality. Lists benefits of supplier development and training. (YKH)

Provides remarks, excerpted from a national conference presentation, by three individuals regarding entrepreneurial activity, contract education, and community education. For each topic, recommendations for success are offered.(YKH)

Describes Bay de Noc Community College's program to educate work skills enhancement trainers and provide a centralized repository of human resource development programs, materials, and assistance. Local businesses were invited to join the Regional Training and Development Network and designate an employee as an instructor candidate to receive job…

Describes a survey of 1069 Iowa businesses to determine their needs for workforce training and the role of the state's community colleges in meeting those needs. Presents results related to types of businesses served; employer goals, needs, and ratings of program quality; and the role of technology. (21 citations) (AJL)

Examines characteristics of the high-performance workplace and the growing needs for qualified workers. Discusses the role of high schools in changing students' attitudes toward work and presents basic skills criteria for high school students. Reviews the school-to-work initiative and describes components of tech prep programs. (AJL)

Describes author's transition from community college to private sector. Offers insights on increasing productivity in both realms, such as enhanced customer focus, high quality educational programs, and improved career guidance, preparation, and placement. (YKH)

Describes the objectives of a national study on workforce training conducted to determine needs for such training and results of community college efforts. Reports preliminary findings for 70 colleges, indicating that employers expressed considerable need for workforce training and were generally satisfied with the quality of programs. (AJL)

Describes a study of companies served by workforce training programs offered at 25 Michigan community colleges. Indicates that 90.6% (n=264) of business and industry respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their training program, and that 94% thought the programs were important or very important. Discusses implications of the findings…

Discusses the impact of new technologies and competitive management goals on the fast-changing training industry. Offers suggestions on implementation, such as fostering a supportive training environment, avoiding information overload, and helping employees manage change.(YKH)