A study compared the attainment of national vocational qualifications (NVQs) in Scotland and other U.K. regions. Data from the Labour Force Survey and case studies indicate that Scotland underperforms England in the attainment of NVQs, suggesting improved performance in the achievement of academic and traditional vocational qualifications in…

Examines the physical demands and ergonomic concerns within child care settings. Discusses problem areas and ergonomic recommendations for room design and staff training. Presents important implications for writing job descriptions, determining essential job functions, orienting and training staff, and committing to improving the child care work…

Describes a survey of post-secondary students that assessed conceptions of learning and their preparation for the workplace. Highlights include use of information technology; perceptions of the learning environment; perceptions of learning needs and skills; perceptions of the demands of the future workplace; and lifelong learning. (LRW)

Themes of a Canadian private sector task force report on labor force development are improving federal-provincial cooperation, expanding business and labor roles in policy, improving basic skills, promoting lifelong education, expanding counseling services, improving access to training programs, enhancing the quality and dissemination of labor…

A recent federal welfare reform law requires each state to provide basic education and job training programs, in which colleges have a major role. Areas of disagreement between state and institutions include program length, the role of proprietary schools, and funding adequacy. (MSE)

Examines Canadian research in job training programs to question whether the development of English language proficiency has a positive impact on the career prospects of most workplace learners. This article describes some workplace programs that include antiracist training and cross-cultural awareness for all members of the workplace. (11…

Discusses the information on academic library practices provided in student employment manuals. Highlights include the mission statement, expectations of employment, enrollment and eligibility requirements, employment eligibility verification, application form, the hiring process, program policies, release of employment verification information;…

Describes a study of companies served by workforce training programs offered at 25 Michigan community colleges. Indicates that 90.6% (n=264) of business and industry respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with their training program, and that 94% thought the programs were important or very important. Discusses implications of the findings…

Reviews possible effects of pending workforce development and welfare reform legislation on the delivery of support services to communities. Highlights structural reforms involved in state-based initiatives. Suggests that community colleges may have to reconfigure program lengths and accountability methods to adapt. (MAB)

Reviews the literature on the economic development role of rural, suburban, and urban community colleges; the role of the community college in technology transfer; employment, training, and literacy programs; and economic impact studies. (Contains 40 references.) (KP)

Describes the background to the 1994 Reemployment Act, finding a need for the act in the current economic environment and increase in laid off workers resulting from automation. Describes key elements of the act, including the comprehensive dislocated workers initiative and competitive grants to operate universal one-stop career counseling and…

Compares the pros and cons of the German dual system of vocational education with the British system. Discusses interests that either impede or encourage employers to offer specific or more generalized training. Reveals the divergent preconditions of the two societies that preclude a transfer of Germany's system to Britain. (CFR)

Compares public intervention schemes in Britain and Norway supporting participation of public educational institutions in the delivery of continuing labor force development and training. These schemes demonstrate that British policy is based on belief in free market principles, while Norwegian policy combines elements of consumer choice and legal…

Summarizes the 1991 National Organizations Study on formal job training programs. Finds that blue-collar core occupations receive as much company training as white-collar occupations. Determines that the more extensive a company's internal labor market, the more formal training programs are used for advancement and promotion. (CFR)

Describes the "people's college" as the distinctive nineteenth-century educational institution of the United States. These tax-supported public secondary schools prepared graduates for business and industry but lost their position as the defining secondary institution when challenged to prepare students for college as well as employment.…