Lifelong learning and information technology have begun to generate investment in training businesses, raising concerns about responsiveness to customer needs, consolidation, and the future of in-house training departments. (JOW)

Temporary staffing companies have expanded and grown tremendously in the last five years. In addition to training their own workers, they are starting to provide training for the same companies to which they send their workers. (JOW)

Discusses the emerging trend of customized enterprise training software delivered via the Web. Highlights opinions of vendors and customers as to whether it will be a cost-effective corporate training process. (SK)

Describes training partnerships that have evolved between businesses and community colleges. Looks at the advantages to both businesses (getting staff trained without having to develop costly programs) and schools (increased visibility, new equipment) and describes some specific programs. (JOW)

In many companies, training management and knowledge management are merging. Enterprise-resource-planning software products promise seamless integration of all information flowing through a company. Training then becomes part of a process, not a course or event. (SK)

The University of Phoenix (UOP) is a for-profit university that accepts only students who are at least 23 years old and gainfully employed. UOP's brand of no-frills business education is tailored to working adults and represents a new model for postsecondary education. (JOW)

Although federal funding for workplace literacy has ended, some companies offer some remedial instruction in English as a Second Language. However, because of the cost of getting employees to a point where they are comfortable with English, many programs are being reduced. (JOW)