Globalization has offshored low skills manufacturing, leaving industry in the United States to adjust business models, install ever-advancing technology, and incorporate automation on their production floor. These advances in precision and computer-aided work require a labor force with technical and "soft" skills to operate complex…

A vast body of research exists on experiential learning and workforce preparedness of students at the high school level; however, there is a limited focus on the community college sector. Administrators, who recognize the need for studies that address the potential benefit experiential learning can provide students at two-year institutions, will…

This article explores the recent development of new spheres of public engagement within UK higher education through an analysis of the foundation degree qualification. These, according to the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), were designed to equip students with the combination of technical skills, academic knowledge, and…

The second phase of a new national survey conducted among college instructors and employers shows that 78% of college faculty and 62% of employers believe that public high schools are not doing enough to prepare students for the expectations they will face in college and the working world. Only roughly one in four recent high school grads report…

Employers look at Illinois junior college occupational education. (Editor)

A follow-up study of graduates from St. Mary's Junior College (Minnesota) associate degree nursing program is used to demonstrate a multi-trait, multi-method basis for arriving at faculty judgments about the outcomes of a program. The follow-up study attempted to determine: (1) graduates' and employing agencies' perceptions of competencies four…

A corporate perspective on the general education competencies expected of middle management and technical personnel is provided and responded to in these three papers. First, Rita Meyer presents results from a study conducted by West Virginia Northern Community College to obtain the views of corporate managers on the general education…

Investigations conducted by Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) indicate that introductory computer courses for business students should emphasize the elimination of "computer phobia" through the provision of hands-on experience. In a survey of over 160 area businesses, SFCC found that 53% of the respondents ranked hands-on experience as the…

Presents 10 citations and abstracts for documents from the ERIC Clearinghouse for Junior Colleges collection dealing with employer needs assessments and their relation to program planning. (CAM)

Describes a study conducted by the Office of Institutional Research at Washtenaw Community College regarding employer perceptions of what skills, knowledge, and attitudes are most important in an employee. Indicates that technical skills are not as sought after as non-technical skills such as thinking creatively and good decision making. Contains…

Thirty-seven employers of clerical personnel were surveyed to determine necessary skills, education, and experience for the positions of clerk/receptionist, clerk/stenographer, secretary, and administrative assistant. The results suggest that at least a high school diploma, typing speed, and one-two years of experience are considered necessary by…

In order to build auto mechanics curricula and instructional programs responsive to the needs of employers, Bakersfield College (BC) sent a questionnaire to all employers listed under "Automobile Repairing and Services" in the yellow pages of the local telephone book. Only 43 (20 percent) of the 215 questionnaires sent out were returned;…

This follow-up study of Portland Community College (PCC, Oregon) graduates was conducted to determine where graduates are, what they are doing, and how well their employers rate their performance. Information was gathered from postcard surveys sent to the 1971 graduates, and subsequent questionnaires sent to these students and to their employers.…

In the summer of 2001, College of the Canyons (California) conducted of study of registered nursing (RN) and licensed vocational nursing (LVN) alumni, as well as their employers, to assess satisfaction with the preparation and training they received through the College's nursing programs. Out of the 89 invited nursing alumni, 33 surveys were…

This study aims to determine the satisfaction levels with the skills and training that Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) students receive. SIAST Planning, Research and Development Institutional Research & Analysis Office prepared this study. A telephone survey was conducted with 626 employers, which is a 74%…