The nature of basic computer occupations has changed greatly since the early 1980s. The changes reveal a shift in the respective roles of the sectors of industry associated with computer services (manufacturing and industrial computing). The service sector has adopted the procedures of industry in terms of organization, methods, and quality, whereas the manufacturing sector has had to assimilate the culture of services (including taking the totality of customers' needs into account and structuring a service supply). The industrial computing occupations have adopted standard technologies to their particular needs. These trends have affected France's vocational training policy and have necessitated choosing between technology- or occupation-based approaches to preparing learners for basic computer occupations. Currently, training for entry employment in computer occupations in France targets an occupation, an area of application, or a technology. Considering the changes that have occurred in the nature of basic computer occupations and the ways computers are being used, an occupation-based approach would offer the advantage of harmonizing employment qualifications, reducing their number, and avoiding the risk of several qualifications covering the same job targets. It would increase the complementarity of the French educational system's training streams and those of the National Association for Adult Vocational Training. (MN)