The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, more ubiquitously known by the acronym "STEM," have received a substantial amount of attention in recent years. As part of a research study investigating the alignment (or lack thereof) between the goals and priorities of educators and employers, we found it difficult to…

By 2020, 65 percent of all jobs in the economy will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school. That's a pretty strong statement in defense of the value of higher education in this country. But it will mean little unless the nation's colleges and universities--and, specifically, community colleges--can produce more workers…

A strong economy requires a highly educated workforce, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. In the United States, STEM degree production has stagnated, despite employment projections forecasting a 17% growth in the field over the next decade. Two key criteria influence progression through the STEM education…

Methods are described which can be used to estimate occupational supply and its components. The BLS structural model is described. Next, applications of data from the 1970 census and the monthly Current Population Survey to the BLS model are detailed. Problems and future opportunities in occupational supply estimation are listed. (CT)

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections show 21 million new jobs over the 1986-2000 period. Most new jobs will be in the service-producing industries. The Black and Hispanic labor force is estimated to increase much faster than that of whites. These projections have several important implications. (CH)

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, there will be 139 million persons in the labor force in the year 2000; this represents a slowdown in the growth rate afer 1986. Minority groups are expected to increase their representation in the labor pool. (CH)

Contrary to reports, high technology is not likely to add large numbers of jobs for highly educated and trained persons. A policy of recurrent education must be established so that individuals can move from the workplace to retraining programs and back. (MLW)

This is a report on the results of a market research project conducted by Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) (Wisconsin) to identify new occupational markets in the college's service area. The college scanned national job lists, employment databases, and northeastern Wisconsin employer advertisements. The college also surveyed employers in the…

Results of two studies illustrate how regional workforce development needs can differ significantly from national assessments of training needs. Regional needs assessments, conducted by community colleges in partnership with other community agencies, are essential to development of sound workforce development policies that address actual needs at…

The ninth meeting of CEDEFOP (French acronym for the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training) is summarized in this report. Attending the forum were representatives of the leading vocational training research and development institutions and ministerial departments from the European Community (EC) Member States and from…

Recent studies profiling the United States' current and future work force have identified significant changes in work force demographics, immigration patterns, economic structure, the education-employment connection, and company training investments. Among the specific changes and trends that have been identified are the following: (1) the…

With the series "Advancement for Low-Wage Workers," Jobs for the Future seeks to elevate discussion of this critical issue within and outside the workforce field. These occasional papers address public policy and on-the-ground practice. "The Next Challenge," the series introduction, argues for placing not just employment, but also advancement at…

Following the format of the conference, the presentations in these proceedings are organized in three sections, titled "Introduction"; "National Trends"; and "Labor/Higher Education Initiatives: Finding Common Grounds." The following presentations are included in the introductory section: "Why We're Here" (Donahue, Atwell, Mohler, Grecco). The…

This position paper denounces what the author considers to be an increasing and excessive reliance on computers and technological advancements generally as panaceas for educational and social problems whose real resolution demands the skills of "citizens with a basic liberal arts education" rather than those of technocrats. (JBM)

Studies in Great Britain have focused on the rapidly changing economy of the 21st century and the skills that workers will need to contribute to it. The studies have found that the new century will be characterized by the knowledge-driven economy, changes driven by global markets, the rapid movement of finance, and developments in information and…