This study assessed the impact of the CETA program on the sexual wage differential of participants. The sources of sex-related wage differentials among CETA Title I (now Title IIB) participants before and after program participation are analyzed in order to examine the impact of training on the earnings gap. (CT)

This study analyzes the effectiveness of CETA skill training programs in Boston, using three techniques not often employed in such evaluation studies--a comparison group, multiple regressions incorporating an unusually large number of explanatory variables, and an examination of the effects of differences in the type of skill training provided.…

Examines certain common professional characteristics that unite instructional developers across a variety of settings, and addresses the question as to whether a strong case can be made for providing developers with a common approach to their training. (Author/MER)

Describes an in-house oral communication program that was developed for corporate professionals and which teaches them several strategies for developing informative and persuasive speeches for sophisticated audiences and for general-interest groups. (FL)

Discusses the proceedings of a recent American Economic Association convention where manpower programs were the main topics of concern. Most who attended favored exploring whether selective job creation at modest wage levels could increase employment opportunities without fanning inflation and direct training programs to the disadvantaged. (CT)

Describes programs offered or sponsored by national trade associations in the finance industry. (IRT)

The components of a system for practical skills assessment or trade testing is discussed. The system, called Progressive Assessment Testing (PAT), is used in the normal workshop situation and enables the employer to identify and correct weaknesses in performance at the appropriate point in the training process. (Author/EC)

In Central and Eastern Europe, vocational education and training systems are decentralizing, improving financial mechanisms, and monitoring labor market links. Current challenges include guaranteeing quality, developing standards, establishing assessment and certification systems, and improving career guidance. (SK)

Issues confronting the German dual system of vocational education and apprenticeship include financial restructuring and pressures for differentiation and flexibility. Continuing vocational training is facing problems of quality, access, and funding. (SK)

Shift workers are often excluded from educational opportunities on and off the job. General education and leisure learning needs are addressed less than job-specific training needs. Providers should consider open/distance learning, creative marketing, targeted funding, and consortia of employer-developed programs. (SK)

The majority of employer-sponsored training still goes to men, and gender stereotypes prevail in the type of training men and women receive. Equality needs to be mainstreamed and buttressed by equal treatment in law and positive action measures. (SK)

The Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission, a local development district based in Venango County, focuses on nourishing small business development and entrepreneurship in business incubators owned by local governments. One of the region's resources is the nation's first "teaching factory," which provides job…

A British study of a Training and Enterprise Council Quality Assurance standard in its first 18 months shows that it has been interpreted in different ways by different people and is far from providing assurance of uniform quality. Changes made as a result of new regulations have been more managerial/organizational and have less impact on the…

On-the-job training (OJT) is enjoying a surge of interest because of ISO 9000, the certification standards of the European Community. Negotiating a balance between training staff and frontline supervisors who are often made responsible for OJT is one way to improve it. (JOW)

This description of the difficulties encountered in achieving cooperation among local agencies to provide vocational training in a Spanish district highlights the need for collaborating parties to listen to each other and the importance of understanding the environment in which agencies operate. (SK)