In summer 1993, Santa Fe Community College, New Mexico, created the External Programs Division (EPD) under its credit instruction program to serve the needs of non-traditional students. The EPD encompasses contract training, the Flex Lab, distance education, the AutoDesk Training Center, an Alternative Fuels program, and the corrections training…

To provide cost effective, quality training to businesses and industrial organizations in central Ohio, Columbus State Community College (CSCC) established the Business and Industry Training Division (BITD) in 1986. The Division has increased the sales of training programs and the number of credit and non-credit class sections, and in 1994,…

Current conditions suggest that there will be an increased emphasis on customizing curricula to focus on the technological skills needed by workers to remain competitive. If community colleges are to continue as leaders in customizing training programs, they must consider ways to convince business and industry clients that up-to-date training…

A case study of a contract college involving Union College and Union County Technical Institute in New Jersey is presented. The arrangement between these two colleges provides the county with the services and facilities of two community colleges, one specializing in technical and career programs and the other in academic courses. Historical…

The evolution and role of the community college and three community college prototypes are considered, with emphasis directed to the contract community college. It is suggested that through their open door philosophy, community colleges respond to the public demand for access to postsecondary education and accommodate the lifelong learning needs…

Customized Contract Training (CCT), which involves contracting to design short term, non-credit courses and workshops to meet the training needs of specific employers, is the new buzz-word at community colleges. Though many assume this type of school-business partnership benefits everyone, the potential negative effects on community colleges as…

The Women's Employment Network (WEN) is a college-based program funded by the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) that provides job search and placement assistance to an average of 130 low-income women each year. Program components include an intensive job-search class, which assists participants in assessing their work skills, values, and…

A case study of a contract college, John Wood Community College, is presented. The history of the community college movement in Illinois is traced, and the nature of state governance is examined. The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is the body charged with the overall regulation, supervision, and planning for the community college system.…

Australian employers' appraisal and use of vocational education and training (VET) qualifications were examined through case studies of 15 small, medium, and large organizations in 8 of Australia's "old" and "new" economy industries. Data were collected through interviews with management/employer representatives, middle…