Informal learning among workers takes place continuously. Companies that want to capitalize on it should encourage communities of practice and mentoring and eliminate communication barriers. (SK)

Describes interview techniques for determining whether a first-time worker will be a good employee. Offers questions that will give an insight into attitudes and suggests telling applicants what will be expected of them if they are hired. (JOW)

Widespread labor shortages are leading companies to adopt innovative recruiting and training methods, such as Internet job postings, computer-based training, certified interviewers, collaborations with colleges and universities, and making employees at all levels feel important. (SK)

No or poor orientation can reduce new employees' effectiveness and contribute to dissatisfaction and turnover, costing the company money. The orientation programs of large companies such as Disney, Texas Instruments, and Corning Glass are successful due to high expectations, supervisor and senior management involvement, anxiety reduction, and…

After noting that on-the-job training (OJT) constitutes perhaps ninety to ninety-five percent of the real training most hourly employees get, the author points out the importance of using trainers skilled at OJT, offers rules for successful OJT, and provides suggestions, directed at the chief executive officer, as to how OJT can be improved. (SH)

Discusses the gap between the basic skills of many workers and the more complex skills required by many jobs. Points out that many employers offer basic skills training because they cannot find qualified entry-level workers and find glaring deficiencies in their existing workers. (JOW)

Business' agenda for improving education is linked to gubernatorial goals for school reform: (1) improve preschool learning readiness; (2) increase high school graduation rates; (3) require subject matter mastery in grades 4, 8, and 12; (4) improve math and science achievement; (5) teach literacy, global awareness, and citizen responsibility; and…

Discusses the critical ongoing need for skills and education to maintain the work force. Looks at what organizations are doing to maintain employee skills, add to the entry-level work force pool, and work with educators to ensure that students will have the skills they need. (JOW)

The School at Work program is a work-based course offering basic skills and literacy courses to entry workers primarily in hospitality, retail, and medical fields. Instruction is delivered via Kentucky Educational Television. (JOW)