Clair J. Sullivan is an assistant professor in the Department of Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Her research interests include radiation detection and measurements; gamma-ray spectroscopy; automated isotope identification algorithms; nuclear forensics; nuclear security;…

This paper is positioned at the junction between the requirements of the manufacturing industry for a significantly increased number of professionally registered engineers in the UK employment pool and the excellent work which is ongoing in and around the education sector to encourage more young people to follow a career in this field. Higher…

Purpose: This paper aims to discuss the term intersectional trap. This is defined as the act of saying blanket statements to describe a race or group of individuals without considering variations of experience within the population. The paper will end with recommendations for research focusing on qualitative studies that explore the lived…

For technical workers who are valuable employees but not interested in managerial positions, multiple career paths offer a choice of three to five career tracks and lateral as well as vertical career opportunities. Keys to success include rigorous selection criteria and comparable recognition methods. (SK)

This article explores how contemporary professional associations employ discourses of knowledge as a means of promoting professionalism. By analysing policy documents from the Norwegian associations for teachers, nurses, engineers and accountants, we reveal dominant knowledge discourses and discuss how they serve to position the associations in…

Answers questions about the field of technical writing, especially in the computer industry. Explains what "software" and "software documentation" are, what the "software documentation specialist" (technical writer) does, and how to prepare for such a job. (FL)

What will life be like for occupational education graduates in the next century? This article offers a provocative look at the life of James Jones, a hypothetical twenty-first-century worker whose horizons extend to outer space and inner consciousness. (CT)

Examines diversity from several perspectives: economics, corporations, education, and technology. Advocates assessment of what is taught and how it is taught and suggests a more inclusive curriculum. (SK)

For vocational education to be economically and socially vital, it must focus on subject matter integration, private sector collaboration, and preparation for high-skill and technical careers. (SK)

Outlines the types of courses available through postsecondary vocational technical schools and the benefits that strong vocational technical programs provide for the nation's economy. (JC)

Counters misconceptions with facts about school-to-work (STW): students have unrealistic career goals; most are not prepared for college academics; college is increasingly paid for by loans; only one in three college graduates finds a relevant job; technical employment is the fastest growing sector; STW does not preclude college; and technician…

Describes the personnel, equipment, and facilities problems encountered by North Central Technical Institute in the development of a laser technician program, and the program's enrollment and job placement rates. Advocates financial support for such programs to meet the national demand for laser and other high technology personnel. (WL)

The use of technology has increased exponentially in recent years, with accompanying employment growth in technical fields. Despite this demand, there is a well-documented underrepresentation of females in technical fields. The Technology Adventures Program provides female high school students with information about careers in technology. (JOW)

Rapid technological change is widely regarded as a primary cause of unemployment, especially in depressions. This article summarizes the diverse interpretations given to the notion of technological unemployment, critically examining the assumptions underlying those views. (Author/SSH)

Postsecondary technical schools are failing to keep pace with expanding career opportunities in the technical job market. Improved counseling and testing methods could provide more trained technicians to fill the jobs. Technical school personnel must provide the potential student population with information about alternatives in technical fields.…