Comparison of British and German vocational education leads to the conclusion that, although an employer-led approach may help maintain high skills, an education-driven strategy is necessary to move England and Wales from the current low skills state. Focus should be on developing underlying values that support a training culture. (SK)

Experience with nuclear power plant workers for whom continuing education is mandated yielded techniques for incorporating self-direction to overcome resistance: educate management, involve workers, know the audience, incorporate feedback in training plans, be consistent, use learning contracts, motivate learners, use alternative methods, build…

The January 1991 Current Population Survey asked, "Did you need training to qualify for your current job?" The 57 percent who said they needed training earned about $10,000 more than those who did not. Results agree with conventional wisdom on the subject and are consistent with those of a similar survey conducted in 1983. (JOW)

All local education authorities (school districts) should have a policy for management development. All staff who manage the work of other adults in school should receive the appropriate training as an entitlement; for many of the teachers involved the training should be school-based. Evaluation of training is also important and deserves greater…

Gives a brief review of Greece's current vocational education/training system, compares it to European models, describes the European Community process of harmonization of vocational qualifications, and discusses new legislation establishing a national vocational education/training system. (SK)

At Los Alamos National Laboratory, 17 female electronic technicians participated in an individual development plan involving mentoring, basic education, and technical training. Four have been promoted, six are pursuing associate or bachelor's degrees, and two are pursuing certification. (SK)

Workers at Diamond Star Motors, a joint Chrysler-Mitsubishi venture, received customized training in welding, safety, and auto mechanics from Illinois State University. Procedures for negotiating technical training with a multinational, multicultural organization emerged from the project. (SK)

Two companies are attempting to provide job training and employment opportunities in inner-city Los Angeles: U.S. Electricar opened a plant to help California meet a requirement to increase the proportion of electric vehicles on its roads, and Pioneer Electronics funds Pioneer Academy where high school students study electronics in the afternoons.…

Argues that, when technical publications and technical training departments work together, writers learn from trainers about the users, trainers get help in producing training materials, users get integrated training and technical manuals, and the company displays a unified approach. (SR)

Compared to the United States, German employers make more systematic, long-term investments in worker training, especially through the cooperation of industry associations that pool training costs and benefits. Encouraging U.S. firms to participate in shared training requires sustained government support. (SK)

Two approaches to work organization in the auto industry were compared: (1) the German model of apprenticeship and skilled production workers; and (2) the Japanese model of continuous on-the-job training and flexibility. The Japanese model may be better for British companies given the current labor market situation. (SK)

Changing demographics forecasting a shortage of skilled workers and the high cost of turnover require attention to retaining employees. Well-designed compensation systems, challenging professional development programs, and a corporate culture that values individual contributions are keys to keeping skilled workers. (SK)

Vocational training in Switzerland uses the dual system in which apprentices receive employer-sponsored training coupled with classes at government-supported vocational schools. Trainees must pass final examinations to receive a credential for employment or advanced training. (SK)

A bakery foreman states that employers need (1) a sustained standard of living; (2) job security; (3) creativity; and (4) dignity in work. He suggests that foreman must find ways to increase productivity while treating employees as individuals. (SK)

Quality assurance in vocational education is critical to the productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of the work force. The process involves vision and mission, management commitment, standards, monitoring, and continuous improvement. (SK)