Describes a criterion-referenced test development process that promises to bring a vocational program closer to the business and industrial community by providing opportunities for their representatives to assist in designing test instruments and by creating opportunities for industry-education partnerships through the test validating and updating…

Case studies of cooperative apprenticeships in Naval shipyards and maritime industries identify the benefits of mutual exchanges: access to external funds, appropriate mediation of conflicts, and models for formal contracts. Business-community college partnerships can learn from these examples how to establish working relationships for…

Case studies of successful labor-community college apprenticeship partnerships show that collaboration occurs when parties derive mutual benefits, collectively access external funds, stipulate roles/responsibilities, and resolve conflicts. Dual enrollment of apprentices in associate degree programs is a promising strategy. (SK)

Case studies of six interorganizational collaborations for job training and economic development found that these exemplary arrangements produced other benefits, providing flexible and adaptive capability for dealing with long-term economic development processes. A planning and development model to replicate successful linkages was developed. (SK)

In Virginia, a community college consortium for semiconductor education and training programs works with a semiconductor manufacturers' partnership to review programs based on a national core curriculum model. The results are being used to improve curriculum development, faculty training, facility improvement, and student recruitment. (SK)

Major auto manufacturers have developed cooperative apprenticeship programs with community colleges, offering alternating periods of study and work experience under the supervision of master technicians. (SK)

Presents findings from a case study of factors influencing successful cooperative apprenticeship programs. Indicates that apprenticeships are cost-effective mechanisms for bringing together the human and capital resources within a community to solve human resource education and business training needs. (21 citations). (MAB)

A study identified innovative and exemplary state and local practices linking economic development and job training through community colleges and other institutions of higher and community education. The project reviewed the literature of national economic development activities and local government practices to stimulate economic development and…

This study was undertaken to identify facilitators barriers to effective linkages of secondary education and other training programs with registered apprenticeship programs. Analysis was conducted through case studies and surveys of programs that were identified nationally. U.S. apprenticeship programs had the following weaknesses: variable…

Based on a longer report with the same title, this digest summarizes research on the use of experiential learning in higher education, focusing on classroom-community linkages. While the literature suggests that experiential learning is a necessary and vital component of formal instruction in colleges and universities, controversy exists among…

Describes a study of the interorganizational arrangements involving community colleges that result in exemplary job training and job creation outcomes. Applies a case study approach and a hypothesized model of the linkages between population, industry, and occupational characteristics; and workplace and marketplace conditions to analyze five…

This report reviews the literature and research on the use of experiential learning in higher education, focusing on classroom-community linkages. It defines experiential learning and reviews the current employment of experiential learning in higher education. An introductory section explains the politics and policy issues of experiential learning…

Business is recognizing that the associate degree is a necessity in high technology fields. Innovative practices link businesses with community colleges, allowing apprentices to gain basic job skills and a higher education. A research study explored three industries and their relationship with community colleges: automotive, construction, and…

The Maritime Trades Program is a cooperative training program that was established through the joint efforts of 14 shipyards in the Tidewater area of Virginia. Established in 1980, the program originally operated under the guidelines imposed by the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). Now, however, the program operates in accordance…

This book explains the process of designing, developing, and implementing cooperative apprenticeship, a form of structured workplace training in which an employer, employer group, or industry, union or other community-based organization joins forces with a vocational-technical school and/or community college to provide formal instruction that…