As postsecondary vocational education turns increasingly to preparation for high technological occupations, the question arises as to whether or not this infatuation with education for high technological occupations is reasonable and justified. Data on technician-level employment seem to contradict the view that high technological manufacturing is…

This report provides information on vocational education programs at area vocational schools, community colleges, and universities in Missouri. First, an executive summary describes the operation of vocational education programs in the state and the responsibilities of different educational sectors for vocational education. Next, enrollment trends…

Describes how growing state occupational license laws that require passing examinations create a large demand for education. Reports on a study of the exam-preparation methods of applicants taking the California contractors' license examination. Sees a role for community colleges in preparing license candidates. (DMM)

Using an inclusive definition of "demand side," case studies of two industry sectors and three regions in Australia identified how the needs of industry, enterprises, regions, and individuals were being met by vocational education. Local decision making and curriculum development were keys to reconciling the diverse sets of needs. (SK)

Across OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, governments are having to work with shrinking public budgets while designing policies to make education more effective and responsive to growing demand. The 2011 edition of "Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators" enables countries to see themselves in the light of…

In this article, rates of return to education for men and women have been estimated for the Spanish case, controlling for the biases appearing in the least squares estimation of the basic Mincerian equation. The results show that the returns for women are greater than those for men. The gender differential increases when taking into account the…

Data on parallels and divergences between the occupational structure and the distribution of college degrees across fields of study are examined with the conclusion that higher education is now providing more occupationally defined human resources than are needed and that other purposes must be called on to justify the size of the college going…

The author presents an idea for regional coordination of vocational training programs to reduce or eliminate duplication of effort. He suggests establishment of a center or clearinghouse to act as an interface agency among all vocational education program sponsors, employers, education seekers, and job seekers, and to coordinate their needs and…

A study examined the volume and quality of distance training in Italy, the bodies most directly interested, and problems and trends. Two factors were singled out that not only led to greater interest in distance training between 1970 and 1980 but also to the first experiments being carried out--the economic crisis and the modernization process.…

A discussion is presented of adult education, current trends within the area, and their implications for adult and vocational education programs. The document contains the lecture and a question and answer session. The following sections are presented: (1) overview, defining adult education; (2) major trends, discussing societal pressures for…

Investigates enrollment and completion rates in public 2-year colleges, using models to interpret student and legislative demand. Student demand for enrollments and completion rates are not especially sensitive to labor market conditions. These patterns tend to persist over time, suggesting institutional rigidities. (Includes 6 tables, 17 notes,…

Today's conservative political and economic climate is a poor one for higher education. Colleges are being forced to cut their budgets and vocationalize their curriculum. (SJL)

As engineering technician training developed in New South Wales in the 1950s-1960s, technical educators were marginalized by power struggles over apprentice recruitment and the complications of industrial legislation. However, educators and professional associations took a leadership role in the development of technician training in the metal…

Attempts to update chronology of events in noncompulsory upper secondary education in Australia since 1987. Identifies key differences among trajectories for Australia's conservative, progressive, and "common culture" states and territories as they deal with increased demand for higher level of schooling. Highlights some underlying…