In an effort to meet the training needs of the British Columbia (BC) labor force, Open College (OC), in Burnaby, has focused future activities on market-driven, employer-centered training programs utilizing advanced technologies and traditional on-site instructional methods. Designed to ensure that these courses and programs reflect actual labor demands, this report examines BC's training needs, details economic and labor market trends and forces, identifies the extent to which training needs have been changed by such factors as industry demands and political developments, and recommends ways in which OC's programs can upgrade the level of skills of the BC labor force. After an introductory section discussing the purpose and methodology of the report, part II provides an economic and labor market overview, detailing information on: (1) a world overview, examining economic trends in the United States, Europe, and Asia; (2) the Canadian economy, reviewing demographics and employment, productivity, trade, and industrial development; (3) the BC economy; (4) provincial industries and industrial development; (5) developments in the workplace; (6) occupations and demand; (7) critical skills; (8) skills shortages; and (9) training trends, examining such areas as expenditures, delivery methods, and governmental role. Part III presents a series of recommendations for OC, emphasizing the need for training in information technology, management and supervision, workplace literacy, and total quality management. Appendixes include a map of BC, a table of government funding for training programs, profiles of the six BC regions, and BC industry profiles by region. An autumn 1992 update on the economic and market overview is attached. (PAA)