The economic growth of developing countries is closely related to the quality of their systems for educating and training human resources. Effective vocational education and manpower training programs are critical to increasing the rate of economic development and standard of living in the developing world. (Author)

The three major presidential candidates express their views on three questions relating to vocational education: (1) what role will vocational education play in the nation's goals; (2) what priority does federal support of vocational programs hold; and (3) how will you spend funds slated for state and federal employment and training programs? (CT)

To improve America's economic outlook, positive action must be taken to lay the groundwork for a sustained increase in the rate of productivity. It is helpful to compare training methods, particularly apprenticeship, to those of West Germany, which has consistently maintained high production levels. (JOW)

Describes the Elliott Training Center in Greensburg, PA, which is a federally funded, state-of-the-art center operated by the Elliott Company. With the help of the National Alliance of Business, the Elliott Company was able to obtain federal funding. (JOW)

Unions must increase their participation in the vocational education process, and their representatives must be prepared and trained to serve effectively on advisory councils. Unions should be encouraged to use the vocational education facilities of schools for apprentice and preapprentice classes and to support vocational education funding…

This essay seeks to illustrate the broad contours of federal assistance for vocational education and training by describing the wide range of federal programs that support occupational education and training. (SSH)

Public and private training providers deliver efficient training somewhere, but no single provider does it everywhere. While this flexibility is an advantage, the system could be improved by giving individuals and employers the means--cash grants, tax subsidies, or loans--to choose among available offerings. (SK)

Vocational educators have finally realized that they can offer more to economic development and job creation activities than just training. At places where this realization has spurred action, building linkages and opening channels of communication, vocational programs are succeeding in their efforts to increase employment opportunities. (CT)

Describes contract training whereby industries arrange with community colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools to prepare employees for specific job assignments. Indicates that industrial training performed under contract with public institutions should be encouraged in favor of expansion of training that industry performs for…

Business needs vocational education graduates with a strong business education and with occupational skill training based on clear theoretical understanding. Local business needs a close working relationship with the local vocational education community. Business could become the most important ally and supporter of the schools. (CT)

Under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), vocational educators will have a vital role in the training and retraining programs for the unemployed and economically disadvantaged. Unlike any other training act, JTPA gives states and localities a choice in the direction of their employment and training policies. (SSH)

The new Job Training Partnership Act of 1983 represents a new era of collaboration between vocational education and the private sector in providing job training. (SSH)

Describes two new vocational education programs: the Private Sector Initiative Program and the program (still in proposal stage) which was created by the Youth Act of 1980. Also explains how the National Alliance of Business has provided support for these programs and for the creation of the local Private Industry Councils. (CT)

Describes a contracted community college vocational program in which a local business or industry provides 12 hours of instruction per week to the student in conjunction with a minimum of eight credit hours of related on-campus instruction. (LRA)

Vocational education is a must if the United States wishes to compete with the Europeans and Japanese. It cannot be relegated to secondary status in schools. The federal government must play a major role in seeing to a balanced approach to the economic and social goals of vocational education. (CT)