In order to jumpstart the economy, "Made in the U.S.A." needs to be synonymous with in-demand, high-quality products sold throughout the world. Recognizing the importance of the manufacturing industry and its connection to a healthy economy, President Obama addressed Carnegie Mellon University and launched the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership…

Job creation is what America needs; however that is not the full story. Job creation is just the beginning of the story to address how America responds to workforce needs today and in the future. It is an invitation to examine current and future workforce needs in an effort to fill jobs, lessen the skill gap and provide industry-driven credentials…

Though not extensively researched, third-party employee competency certifications are increasingly important to organizations. Certifications are double-edged: they may serve to reduce transaction costs, enhance performance, and foster employee development; but they can also be used as "credentials" to gain prestige, rewards, or influence. The…

Describes a five-step approach to performance management which includes (1) redefining tasks; (2) identifying skills; (3) determining what development tools are necessary; (4) prioritizing skills development; and (5) developing an action plan. Presents a hiring model that includes job analysis, job description, selection, goal setting, evaluation,…

Lake Sumter Community College (Florida) undertook a project to improve its existing job placement services for vocational students. The primary objectives of the project were to develop and implement a system for all vocational students to register with the placement office, inform all vocational students and instructors about the services…

Reviews an inservice training workshop for employment counselors on the skill of job development. Evaluations showed a need for additional inservice training on job development skills, including follow-up, marketing, using outside resources, matching employer needs with client capabilities, speaking before groups, effective verbal communication…

Efforts that have made a difference and must be more broadly applied for women to achieve equal status in the work force include legislation, networking, recruitment, and mentoring. A performance management approach is suggested, with strategies including specifying measurable goals, understanding and developing skills and preferences, determining…

Project Proud Option of Palmer, Massachusetts, had the following objectives: (1) develop and implement a system for assessing the functioning levels of handicapped students in institutional schools as these functional levels relate to already existing job task outlines and performance objectives; (2) develop new job opportunities within the…

Opened in 1963, the Swaneng Hill School in Serowe, Botswana, was an experiment for its untrained founders whose objectives were to reduce the exclusiveness of secondary education, equip students with skills and knowledge needed for development, make the school a focal point for community development, and instill a sense of social justice in the…

New Zealand is committed to reducing unemployment by providing its youth with more skills and appropriate job opportunities. In line with this policy are recommendations to introduce vocational elements into general education and increase secondary level work experience programs in keeping with the detailed legal, labor, and safety guidelines…

This document profiles the job placement program for ex-offenders that the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) in New York City has implemented successfully since 1992. The document begins by describing the program's main components, which are as follows: (1) a 1-day recruitment and orientation program; (2) a 4-day life skills course; (3) an…