The United States is currently experiencing a decline of skilled talent in the workforce, with healthcare occupations suffering the most due to a loss in workforce talent and the onset of an aging population. This talent shortage is attributed to a "skills gap." The current case study used qualitative methodology to examine the expansion…

In this second annual summary of the their work, the Investing in Community Initiative provides practical advice for community leaders and policymakers around four critical issues. First, how should local needs be defined? Chapter 1 argues that data about local economies can show whether communities are best served by creating new jobs,…

Streamlining the vocational qualification development process in Australia is a current priority of the skills ministers of both the Australian Government and state and territory governments. This research summary explores the development processes associated with vocational qualifications in selected countries and compares them with the current…

This project is focused on the second element noted by the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) to streamline the national vocational education and training (VET) system so that it can better respond to the needs of industry -- faster development of qualifications. It looks at the vocational qualification development processes in different…

A model is presented to evaluate the usefulness of learning objects for industry oriented learning environments that emphasise training university graduates for job opportunities in a competitive industry oriented economy. Knowledge workers of the industry seek continuous professional development to keep their skills and knowledge up to date. Many…

Discusses the National Education and Training Task Force for Minority Business Enterprise, its message for vocational education, its recommendations, the potential of small business, the building of local systems, evaluation of present programs, postsecondary emphasis, and the Youth Enterprise Project as a catalyst. (CT)

The Illinois Community College Board provided more than $3.3 million to community colleges during fiscal year 2009 to support local workforce and economic development services through their Business and Industry Centers. The workforce development activities conducted under this grant include customized job training on campus or on-site at a…

Identifies issues to be considered in deciding whether a community college should become involved in industrial training (e.g., local needs and attitudes, faculty attitudes, and personnel implications). Suggests an organizational model for delivering customized job training. Identifies program benefits and potential problems. (DMM)

Discusses the benefits of college/industry partnerships. Warns colleges to ensure that the partnerships make good business sense; i.e., that they supplement the college's current programs and expertise or put the institution in a new market position. Identifies criteria for choosing the right business partners. (DMM)

Outlines the similarities and differences between traditional degree programs and industrial training programs and offers suggestions for colleges initiating industrial training efforts, covering areas such as administrative responses, the target group, internal communication, faculty, instructional implications, program delivery, finances,…

Identifies socioeconomic trends affecting education and training, arguing that community colleges should be more involved in developing human resources. Discusses five phases in establishing customized training programs for industry: needs assessment, coalition building, model building/development, implementation, and evaluation. (DMM)

The United States needs a comprehensive national employment program. Steps for developing a program are discussed, and education's role is examined. There should be business and labor involvement in curriculum selection and school program supervision. The schools should be made responsible for helping young people find employment. (RM)

Presents a framework from which recommendations can be made for the orchestration of vocational education with industrial training. Principles and practices of industry training are outlined which in many cases are radically different from those of vocational education schools programs. (HD)

This booklet outlines the process used by Elgin Community College to custom design training for business and industry. The implementation of the process, beginning with the initial request for training, is addressed rather than how the service is marketed. The booklet is divided into the following six sections: introduction, Illinois State Board…

Faced with a changing economy, the Houston Community College System (Texas) set goals and objectives to pull together its resources in response to the crisis in the Houston area. This article describes successful strategies and approaches used to network, market, and develop company partnerships and training activities to meet local needs. (Author)