The current trend toward expanded use of automation and computers in manufacturing has increased the need for a working partnership between industry and vocational education. One such partnership involves the members of the personnel development staff at Nissan Motors in Smyrna, Tennessee and local secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs. Staff developers at the Nissan plant have initiated a thorough, intensive training program to acquire the skills they need to work at the plant. This training consists, among other things, of self-paced course modules, hands-on training, and classroom training involving the use of training materials provided by the plants' equipment suppliers. In order to assist in the massive retraining of the American labor force that will be necessary to develop workers who are equipped to handle increased automation, vocational educators must provide students with training in problem solving, working as a group to make decisions, and assuming initiative in their jobs. Vocational educators need to develop ever-closer ties with business and industry. (MN)