This publication presents two hearings on how to establish and maintain a streamlined, top quality, and efficient system of work force preparation in the United States and the role of the federal government in developing such a system. Testimony consists of statements and prepared statements, letters, and supplemental materials from individuals…

This paper provides a framework for discussion of the potential for support of small and medium enterprise (SME) development by training and education, particularly in European Union partner countries. Section I is an introduction. Section II reviews the present position of small and medium enterprises in the partner countries and the role they…

Many difficult political, administrative, and technical issues must be addressed in developing occupational standards and certification systems in middle income and developing countries. Political issues focus on the clear recognition within the country, particularly by the key stakeholders (government, unions, enterprises), of the following: the…

This report contains materials from the TECHlinx Technical Education Clearinghouse project designed to promote the effective development of the Texas work force by linking individuals and institutions to information and resources focused on work force education. Part 1, an executive summary, reports how the project was successfully established and…

A business and education partnership model addressed a shortage of local, qualified, entry-level, technically skilled workers through a school-to-work apprenticeship program at the North Montco Technical Career Center in Lansdale, Pennsylvania. The research-based solution plan of the Pennsylvania Youth Apprenticeship Program (PYAP) included three…

This study, conducted in response to the requirements of Wisconsin's State Advisory Council for Vocational Education as delineated in the Vocational Amendments of 1968, focuses specifically on the impact of Federal vocational education funds on State health occupations education programs. The six chapters deal respectively with: (1) the…

A theory of vocational education and training (VET) somewhat different than that currently accepted is a set of beliefs about the purpose, practices, and principles associated with producing occupational competence. VET institutions need to be aware of and responsive to work force requirements. An analysis of information about current and future…

Work force development systems have three primary subsystems: youth development and preparation for employment, adult work force entry, and worker retraining and transition assistance. Programs targeting youth pose one of the greatest challenges to those striving to develop or improve work force development systems. School-to-work will not…

In North Carolina, work force development education (WDE) begins in grade 6 with exploratory courses and leads to specialized classroom instruction in grades 11 and 12. Since 1992-1993, North Carolina's WDE programs have been evaluated with respect to eight long-range performance standards. Only in the case of standard 1 (all students will have…

A study obtained early information on the effects of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 on states' efforts to develop and implement effective systems of school-to-work transition. Systems in eight states were studied: California, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. State leaders understood the need…

Analysis of recent developments in vocational education and training in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe brings out certain common problems. On the economic level, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania are undergoing a profound crisis. Consequences for training have included the closing of many company schools or workshops, absence of…

All businesses are grappling with knowledge networks--finding the right employees at the right time with the right knowledge and skills. The National Alliance of Business, MIT, and others have been working on an intriguing way to look at labor supply and demand issues called knowledge supply chain management. UPS (United Parcel Service) manages…

This document describes the proposed 2003 activities of the European Training Foundation (ETF) to support vocational education and training reform in non-European Union (EU) countries in the context of the EU's external relations program. The activities listed cover these four main groups of countries across three continents: the Mediterranean…

This document provides a general overview, in broad terms, of the activities of the European Training Foundation (ETF) planned for 2001 and beyond. Section 1 presents ETF activities under four main headings: obligatory activities; support to the European Commission; information provision and analysis; and development activities. It also provides a…

This document provides an overview of the history, status, and funding of school-to-work programs in Ohio. First, school-to-work transition programs are discussed in the larger context of work force development. Presented next are the rationale for the school-to-work approach to education and its main objectives and components. The differences…