Discusses the increasing shortage of qualified entry-level workers. Describes solutions that are being attempted by various companies, including increasing the training budget, raising wages, and providing better benefits. (CH)

Case studies of 19 U.S. companies involved in welfare-to-work programs found that political and economic factors have accelerated the rate at which employers are hiring welfare recipients. Although participation in welfare-to-work programs is dominated by larger firms in a few industries (such as service and retail sectors), there is potential for…