This report focuses on two areas in which the United States has traditionally been a world leader--manufacturing and aircraft maintenance. It shows that both have been affected drastically in recent years by technological change and that both will have to employ highly skilled workers in the coming decade. The report emphasizes the following implications of these changes: (1) workers will need more education; (2) industry should agree on job-skill competencies so that the education system can teach them; (3) students must learn more than just basic skills--they must be able to read well, to think, to make decisions and to work in teams; and (4) workers should have a strong work ethic and be adaptable to change. For each of the two industries, the report summarizes job outlook, education needed, on-the-job training opportunities, competencies, information about some programs that are preparing for the future, worker recruitment, and issues for further exploration. Sources of further information are provided in lists of 12 organizations and 6 publications. Appendixes list the committee members who prepared the report and the members of the National Council on Vocational Education. (KC)