This first part of a comprehensive study designed to provide decision makers with an understanding of the needs and capabilities of occupational education in New England focuses on the number of individuals, especially dropouts, in need of occupational education and training as compared to the capabilities of the various institutions to meet such…

One of a series of papers on critical issues in vocational-technical education, this paper presents an overview of (1) manpower supply and demand factors, (2) techniques for geographic allocation of resources, and (3) strategies for curricular prioritization and determination as they relate to program planning for vocational education. Emphasis is…

The results of two surveys are summarized in this research report. They include: (1) an interview survey of a sample of employers of 100 or more personnel in four of Indiana's Planning and Development Regions, and (2) a questionnaire survey of a sample of companies employing from 50 to 100 personnel. The surveys were conducted in the summer of…

Recent employment forecasts indicate that over half the growth in jobs from 1982-1995 will be in computer-related, technical, and health fields. Only one-fourth of the 40 occupations expected to have the largest growth will require a college degree, although most of the remainder will require postsecondary education. (MSE)

Policies to regulate and support labor markets in the United States have mainly been an initiative of the federal government. Historically, states and localities were reluctant to act independently to build up worker rights and protections for fear of competitively disadvantaging resident industries with added costs. Federal constitutional…

Educational and occupational training programs initiated in times of high unemployment are actually designed to maintain social control of the unemployed. Current efforts by the Australian government to educate young, unemployed school leavers wrongfully shift the blame for unemployment away from the economy and onto the work force itself.…

Problems created by a lack of congruence between education and employment are examined. It is suggested that deterioration in employment prospects for young people is due to a malfunctioning in the relationship between the education sector and the labor market. Addressed are: manpower planning, human capital theory, screening theory, and labor…

Evidence from four Eastern and three Western European countries suggests that there has been some convergence in the application of manpower and social demand criteria to higher education planning. The theoretical case for and against manpower planning is discussed, and the approaches of specific countries are described. (Author/MLW)

With fewer traditional students in the population, and fewer of these electing to earn a degree in natural science and engineering, American colleges are reaching out for women, minorities, and foreign students. Concludes, barring unexpected decline in American economy, job opportunities, especially in engineering, should be excellent. (Author/TE)

Three articles discuss Bureau of Labor Statistics projections of occupational employment growth. Bishop and Carter predict a continuing escalation of wage premiums for college graduates; Kutscher concedes the validity of some of Bishop and Carter's points but denies the shortage. Bishop and Carter respond with census figures. (SLD)

Presents an interview with Elaine Chao, United States Secretary of Labor, in which she suggests that, because of the information-based economy, education is a more vital element in the training of America's workforce than it has ever been. Discusses an initiative that will use high-tech tools to give Americans with disabilities greater access to…

In 1991, a study was conducted by Oakland Community College (OCC) to evaluate the need for a proposed plastics and composites technology program for design engineers. General information was obtained through a literature search, from the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., the Michigan Employment Security Commission, and interviews with…

In fall 1991, a study was conducted by Oakland Community College (OCC) to evaluate the need for a proposed Technical Writing program. General information was gathered from a literature review, Michigan Occupational Information System data, interviews with professionals in the field, and a 1987 needs assessment conducted by Washtenaw Community…

This three-part book provides an overview of 500 occupations. The book is organized into three parts. Part I introduces the following seven occupational classification systems, along with their manuals and dictionaries: an observational classification system, Roe's Classification System, Holland's Classification System, the Standard Occupational…

Important changes are taking place in the U.S. labor market. The economy has performed solidly over the last several years; the labor market has experienced robust job growth. A strong labor market benefits different segments of the population. Unemployment rates for those with less than a high school diploma fell by the largest amount between…