This article focuses on the Rhone-Alpes region's policy for the development of alternating training based on cooperation between the occupational branches and the national educational system. It discusses the following: France's 1987 law on apprenticeship that provided an opportunity for its emergence; cooperative apprenticeship as the culmination…

This annotated bibliography is designed to assist rural leaders seeking ways to effectively structure successful job development projects in their communities. The 120 entries are listed in the main body alphabetically by author, and are grouped in the index into categories reflecting Thomas's "seven hallmarks of successful rural development": (1)…

A study investigated the current situation of international activities in further education colleges in the United Kingdom. Surveys of over 180 colleges revealed that nearly three-fourths referred to international activity in their strategic plans; only 41 percent had a written policy. Benefits of an international dimension were broadening…

This Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) newssheet is devoted to a cluster of activities connected by a common theme: the relationship between education and the economy. Four areas of activity are discussed: (1) further education and training of the labor force; (2) the changing role of vocational and technical education…

A study investigated how a sample of British further education (FE) colleges used the first round of Competitiveness Funding and how it affected the development of collaboration between colleges, Technical Education Councils (TECs), industry, and government agencies. A key ingredient in successful fund bids was matching the project's activity and…

This paper looks at the involvement of further education (FE) colleges in England and Wales in economic development and presents case studies of good practice in nine FE colleges. Chapter 1 addresses FE's role in economic development and measuring and planning economic growth. Chapter 2 contains the case studies: Lewisham College's Action for…

The role of further education (FE) colleges in England and Wales was examined through a survey mailed to a representative sample of 478 of the United Kingdom's 622 FE colleges. Questionnaires were returned by 102 (21%) of the colleges. Data were also collected through seminars, conferences and consultation meetings, cases studies, and a best…

This issue focuses on the National Alliance of Business's work with employers to sort out how certificates can most effectively indicate workplace skills and requirements and confirm that certified individuals possess them. "Skills Certificates Signal Competencies in a Demand-Driven Economy" discusses the needs to which certificates respond; how…

Analysis of recent developments in vocational education and training in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe brings out certain common problems. On the economic level, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, and Lithuania are undergoing a profound crisis. Consequences for training have included the closing of many company schools or workshops, absence of…

This serial issue is devoted to clarifying the attitudes of the various parties or "social partners" to vocational training in the Member States of the European Community. Following an editorial introducing the topic are these articles: "The Community Social Dialogue" (Roland Tavitian); "From the Market Jungle to the…

This theme issue focuses on skills and qualifications in future world markets in general and in the Single Market within the European Community (EC). The first two articles are "Anthropocentric Production Systems: Advanced Manufacturing is Based on Skilled People" (Werner Wobbe) and "New Skills or a New Concept of 'the Job'"?…

High public expectations of the educational and workforce development systems are the force behind the shifting roles of education and training and efforts to create more coherent and effective systems of work force preparation. The result of pulling and tugging by citizens, policymakers, and educators is a system of widespread access,…

Lack of a comprehensive state policy on state government aid for postsecondary work force training has resulted in duplicate funding and competitive relationships between the vocational high schools and the county colleges in New Jersey. Major attempts by state government agencies and the legislature to influence the future of work force training…

This newsletter updates the reader on the latest Wisconsin initiatives to build tomorrow's work force through education, training, and cooperative ventures with business and industry. "Executive Cabinet for a Quality Workforce Defines Pathways to the Future" (Dwight York) discusses major reports related to the work of the executive…

The eight articles in this theme issue of CEDEFOP's twice-yearly multi-lingual bulletin focus on continuing education to maintain and upgrade the workforce. "Force--The Community's Action Programme for the Continuing Training in the 1990s" describes the objectives of this new program to improve the skill levels of the European…