To become employed, upper-secondary vocational graduates need adequate competences that correspond with the needs of working life, particularly with the expectations of their potential employers. However, research on the necessary competences of upper-secondary vocational education and training (VET) students is limited. This study examined what…

A pilot survey was conducted of employers of 300 former students trained in preparatory career education programs in Iowa. The completed questionnaires were analyzed by education program, school, and merged area. The data from the survey indicated that employers were generally pleased with the abilities of the employees when first hired. Over…

This report presents the background methodology, findings, and recommendations of three studies that comprised System-Wide Tests of Occupational Programs, a 4-year research program to assess the impact of vocational education using various followup techniques. Part 1 focuses on Project CATCH (Career Training Choice), a followup study of students…