The construction industry will be short of labor by the mid-1990s. A master plan must be devised by management, labor, educators, and government to train and recruit qualified workers. (JOW)

Metalcasting offers great opportunities for growth and advancement. Shortages of skilled workers are a problem because the public knows little about the industry. (JOW)

Describes secondary and postsecondary programs in electronics targeted to meet the need for 200,000 electric/electronic engineers and technicians that the U.S. Department of Labor projects for 2005. (JOW)

Vocational education can provide opportunities for students by anticipating trends. Four trends in the construction industry are (1) remodeling, (2) building and apartment maintenance, (3) quality, and (4) smart houses. (JOW)

The Secretary of Labor discusses the gap between the skills youth have and the skills they need and the role of vocational education in closing that gap. (JOW)

Electronics vocational training is becoming more important in today's technological world. Constant improvement in equipment, teachers, and programs is essential in order to produce workers who can maintain the high tech equipment of tomorrow. (JOW)

The critical shortage of allied health care workers receives little notice. The health care industry and educational institutions can develop strategies to meet the rising demand for qualified health care workers. (JOW)

The current labor market is plagued by skills and wage gaps. Schools must ensure that students graduate with skills that are in demand. (JOW)

When Broward County Schools (Florida) needed to revamp its electronics program to meet the needs of industry, its advisory committee actively participated in improving the program and forging effective school-business partnerships. (SK)

Three members of the National Commission on Secondary Vocational Education, which produced the report "The Unfinished Agenda," give their opinions on the progress and prospects of vocational education reform: "Improvements Coming, But Problems Remain" (Silberman); "Advancing the Agenda" (Herr); and "A Still Unfinished Agenda" (McDaniels). (SK)

Vocational education can help small business by (1) broadening the type and scope of skills taught; (2) helping prevent labor shortages by preparing disadvantaged and underrepresented groups for employment; and (3) helping small businesses determine their training and development needs. (SK)

Rapid advances in automotive technology and the growth of the automotive service industry have created opportunities in car repair, parts supply, and body work. Certification is the best way for vocational educators to ensure that their programs prepare students for work in the automotive industry. (JOW)

While reformers push an academic steamroller toward critical work force shortages, employers and half of the nation's youth could benefit from vocational and technical education. The technical workplace does not require a bachelor's degree from all prospective employees. (JOW)

Johnson County (Kansas) Community College assesses vocational programs in terms of (1) accomplishment of objectives; (2) student opinions of services; (3) appropriate employment; (4) employer satisfaction with student skills; and (5) responsiveness to local labor market and economic development needs. (SK)