Describes the successful and mutually beneficial skills training program that has existed for more than 20 years between Ingalls Shipbuilding and the Mississippi State Division of Vocational and Technical Education. (JOW)

Often community colleges have upgraded personnel and equipment and added courses in response to the training needs of local companies. Businesses have contributed funding and materials, creating partnerships that benefit the college, the community, and the industry. This article describes successful programs in Niagara Falls, NY and Pensacola, FL.…

Lists 20 ways to mine community resources for the benefit of the vocational education program. (SK)

The author encourages communication between vocational educators and the business community in order to make business aware of the benefits of vocational education and for business to make vocational educators aware of what business expects of its employees in the way of job skills. (CT)

Describes a program designed to help business people become aware of productivity offerings through vocational and technical education. The program includes a presentation given to civic groups and professional organizations which discusses what productivity is, current trends, and future implications. (CT)

An employer discusses some of the reasons for his support of vocational student organizations, which in his view help develop motivated, well-educated, productive workers. (SK)

Discusses the shortage of skilled workers for defense-related industries and the cooperation that is needed between vocational education and industry to train workers for these positions. (JOW)

Discusses the problem of governance of vocational-technical education and indicates that, with clear role and expectation delineation, adequate authority and responsibility, and proper involvement of the private sector, an effective governance structure will facilitate the quality of education. (JOW)

Milwaukee Area Technical College has joined with business and industry to develop training programs for computer-based information processing, and engineering and manufacturing technologies. These partnerships are important as companies look for ways to improve productivity and quality, keep abreast of changing technology, and ensure economic…

Discusses a "nonjoint" apprenticeship program at a Pennsylvania community college in which the apprenticeship relationship exists between the employer and the individual apprentice, with no union involvement. Examines admission requirements, educational components, and certification. (CT)

Describes a Texas community college program in which students earn "equivalent" college credits for learning experiences outside the traditional college classroom. Discusses qualifications for the program, companies cooperating in this program, and how the program works. (CT)

Describes the Elliott Training Center in Greensburg, PA, which is a federally funded, state-of-the-art center operated by the Elliott Company. With the help of the National Alliance of Business, the Elliott Company was able to obtain federal funding. (JOW)

Local textile firms have worked with the Chester County Career Center in South Carolina to attract students to textile training, modernize equipment, and develop effective, industry-based training. (SK)

Minuteman Vocational Technical School in Lexington, Massachusetts leases school space to McDonald's for a restaurant which also serves as a food service laboratory for students in the culinary arts hospitality management program. The school has also benefited from the renovation of its facilities by McDonald's. (SK)

Vocational educators have finally realized that they can offer more to economic development and job creation activities than just training. At places where this realization has spurred action, building linkages and opening channels of communication, vocational programs are succeeding in their efforts to increase employment opportunities. (CT)