A 1996 survey of U.S. and Canadian lifeguards examined their behaviors, training, and abilities. The data revealed that lifeguards did not always follow many of the acceptable or established standards in the field. Though lifeguards felt well trained, 100 of 2,281 did not feel confident about making a water rescue. (SM)

Significant developments in Spanish vocational education are National Program of Vocational Education and Training; 1992 National Agreement on Continuing Training by employers and unions, which established mechanisms for public funding of training; and a second agreement in 1996, which extended the beneficiaries of training and promoted…

Trainers/teachers in eight occupational areas (n=167) identified ways in which they challenge or support workplace learners. Military trainers tended more toward challenge; higher education mentors tended more toward support. Within occupational groups, individual differences in trainer ideology appeared. (SK)

Economic upheaval in Central and Eastern Europe has led to excessive labor supply, increased unemployment, and enforced economic inactivity. Economic policies promoting growth, efficiency, and education and training to improve the quality and adaptability of the workforce are needed. (SK)

Severe economic crisis in Estonia challenges the program of modernization of vocational education and training. Financing of reforms has been assisted by the European Union and other international organizations. (SK)

Explores the significance of the trend toward flexible learning in education and training. Argues that it may have the potential to change both the identities of learners and teachers and knowledge itself and that it may function as a form of social control. (SK)

Argues that vocational education has unrealistically been considered a remedy for youth unemployment, a program for the academically less able, and a tool for economic development. Proposes finding socioeconomic solutions for those problems and improving vocational education by offering it outside formal schooling and encouraging private…

The Job Corps is a federal program that gives at-risk students a chance to compete for jobs that exist. In addition to job training, participants are given remedial basic education and social skills and employability training. (JOW)

Presents a resiliency model of job training that emphasizes applicant recruitment, assessment, and development. The model can increase program success rates by using psychological assessment and professional development goals of the individual. Discusses the effectiveness of federal jobs training and the need for training versus the ability to use…

The learning processes of an employee in a new role were analyzed using the Dreyfus model of skill development (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert). Influences of the trainer, informal workplace interactions, and formal courses on the transition to the new role were identified. (SK)

Some training failures may be attributed to lack of recognition that learning is a social activity and that collective learning results in communities of practice. The experiences of Dede Miller at Xerox Corporation and the gap that separates learning theory and common training practice show how hard it is to apply new approaches to workplace…

Discusses the issues surrounding the value changes that impact opportunities for workforce development. Emerging technologies have changed the way labor is deployed. Offers exercises aimed at helping community colleges to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the industries they serve. Contains three figures and five references. (NB)

Discusses the following aspects of associate degrees: which occupations they prepare students for, how to select and prepare for a college program, and where to find information about associate degree programs and careers. (JOW)

Describes the comprehensive community college as a provider of academic instruction as well as of vocational training and work force development. Discusses community colleges' history, their continuing role in academic preparation, partnerships with employers, and trends in enrollment and cost. (JOW)

A survey of 52 administrators and clerical-administrative personnel in Australia found that clerical training was acquired largely on the job; only one-third regularly update skills; 39.3% perceived assessment to be competency based; and a focus on technical skills was counter to employers' emphasis on interpersonal/communication skills. (SK)