Describes research studies focused on community college workforce development efforts. Displays the extent of training needs in general and specific workforce areas. Results were pooled into eight workplace skills areas using a weighting percentage procedure, with computer related, interpersonal/team, and critical thinking skills emerging as the…

Describes surveys done by Hartnell College's Salinas Valley Region Business Retention and Economic Advancement Project, which collected data from regional businesses concerning workforce and training issues. Results were used in two ways: (1) to reshape services to specific businesses thereby leading to regional business retention; and (2) by the…

Discusses the changing role of instruction at community colleges in the context of the characteristics of community college learners, the knowledge revolution and corresponding new roles of education and business, and the changing nature of work. Provides eight recommendations for ensuring that colleges remain leaders in workforce training. (AJL)

Describes the Industry Quality Teams (IQTs) at Florida's Valencia Community College, an institution-wide effort to link the needs of a contemporary workforce to the classroom curriculum. Reviews the structure and functions of the college's six IQTs, indicating that they work to revise curricula, develop partnerships, implement marketing…

Describes the partnership between Deere & Company and Black Hawk College that provided a training program for John Deere suppliers, resulting in a cost-effective approach to upgrading supplier skills and improving Deere product quality. Lists benefits of supplier development and training. (YKH)

Provides remarks, excerpted from a national conference presentation, by three individuals regarding entrepreneurial activity, contract education, and community education. For each topic, recommendations for success are offered.(YKH)

Describes Bay de Noc Community College's program to educate work skills enhancement trainers and provide a centralized repository of human resource development programs, materials, and assistance. Local businesses were invited to join the Regional Training and Development Network and designate an employee as an instructor candidate to receive job…

Describes a survey of 1069 Iowa businesses to determine their needs for workforce training and the role of the state's community colleges in meeting those needs. Presents results related to types of businesses served; employer goals, needs, and ratings of program quality; and the role of technology. (21 citations) (AJL)

Describes author's transition from community college to private sector. Offers insights on increasing productivity in both realms, such as enhanced customer focus, high quality educational programs, and improved career guidance, preparation, and placement. (YKH)

Describes the objectives of a national study on workforce training conducted to determine needs for such training and results of community college efforts. Reports preliminary findings for 70 colleges, indicating that employers expressed considerable need for workforce training and were generally satisfied with the quality of programs. (AJL)

Describes a study of companies served by workforce training programs offered at 25 Michigan community colleges. Indicates that 90.6% (n=264) of business and industry respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their training program, and that 94% thought the programs were important or very important. Discusses implications of the findings…

States that the U.S. economy exhibits a voracious demand for information technology (IT) certification programs and, it is claimed, the U.S. system of education isn't producing them. Explains that most IT certification providers operate outside the formal postsecondary education system, do not participate in federal student aid and reporting…

Examines the role of community colleges in the middle class's increased wages, the implementation of the School to Work Act, the impact of corporate partnerships, and the influence of global competition upon economic factors. Closes with a view of the central role that community colleges will play in the economic future of the country. Contains 18…