Australia introduced User Choice nationally in January 1998 to develop a national training system that is more responsive to clients' needs. User Choice is based on nine principles, including the following: (1) clients can negotiate their publicly funded training needs; (2) User Choice operates in a national training market not limited by state or…

The definition of work has undergone a massive transition within the last decade, and this trend has major implications for vocational education. Earlier ideas of work included that it was full-time, permanent, and for life; in addition, work provided opportunities for career development, a clearly-defined employer-worker relationship, and clear…

This document contains the papers from plenary sessions, forums, and panels conducted at a conference on the new forms of vocational education needed for the world economy of the 21st century. After introductory remarks and opening addresses by the Minister of Education and Science of Finland and the Acting Director of the European Commission, the…

The capabilities expected of technological workers upon entry into employment were examined. Data were collected through a review of the pertinent literature and an in-person, instrument-guided interview survey of a representative sample of representatives of approximately 250 manufacturing enterprises in nine sectors. The literature review…

This document contains the National Council on Vocational Education's recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the vocational-technical educational system. They follow a list of council members, explanations of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act and the purpose of the council, a quiz on vocational-technical education for the…

This unit, one in a series of packets of teacher and student materials for cooperative occupational education (COE) designed for special needs students, presents students with a brief introduction to federal laws that protect workers' rights. Emphasis is placed on the Fair Labor Standards Act, the National Labor Relations Act, and the Civil Rights…

A study examined the question of whether there is a connection between program characteristics and desirable program outcomes (student satisfaction, placement, and job performance ratings). A program evaluation questionnaire, containing over 300 individual items on such program characteristics as teacher certification and experience, instructional…

The changing skill needs being experienced by small European firms because of increasing internationalization were examined in a survey of owners/managers and employees of 85 small manufacturing businesses in Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, and the United Kingdom and case studies of an additional 16 businesses that have…

The impact of developments in work organizations on the skilling process in the Netherlands was studied through a macro analysis of available statistical information about the development of education for work in the Netherlands and case studies of three Dutch firms. The macro analysis focused on the following: vocational education in the…

The dual challenges of competing in a world market and rapid technological advancements have necessitated redesign of the workplace into an innovative work environment known as the high-performance workplace. This environment requires knowledge workers capable of solving problems, creating ways to improve the methods they use, and engaging…

Intended for the front-line practitioner, this toolkit provides tips, options, and practical how-tos for designing and implementing quality, youth-focused, and business-focused services for out-of-school youth (OSY) who are currently in, or about to enter, the workforce. It outlines an "income growth strategy" (IGS) that addresses what…

This set of five digests provides an overview of the issue of attaining excellence in vocational education. The first digest deals with effective schools research, characteristics of effective schools, implications of effective schools research for high school vocational education, and strategies for improving school effectiveness. Covered in the…

This business education journal contains two articles and three class activities related to teaching business skills relevant to today's economy. The first article, "Skills for a Changing Economy," provides an overview of the skills needed in today's business environment. According to the article, as many as half of recent high school graduates…

This book examines how the Japanese learn to work by exploring the following topics: common assumptions about vocational education and training (VET) that Japan brings into question; Japan's general education system and the moral quality and prestige status of the teaching and learning process; screening processes within Japan's education system…

Selected titles of refereed research papers contained in this volume include the following: "Analysis of Computer Use by Four-Year University Faculty Members" (Duff et al.); "Analysis of Undergraduate Coursework Completed by Prospective Business Teachers" (Schmidt et al.); "Business Educators' Perceptions Regarding the Integration of Business…