This document describes the AFL-CIO's Upgrading and Career Ladder Program (UCLP), which creates a system of structured, work-based learning integrating on-the-job training with related theoretical instruction. The UCLP has the following objectives: to meet workers' skill upgrading and occupational mobility needs; to encourage unions and employers…

A study investigated the use of training needs assessment (TNA) by training and development practitioners in business and industry. It allowed for an assessment of both real TNA (practitioners' knowledge, observation, and experience) and ideal TNA (the literature and experts' opinions). A literature review focused on the concept of TNA,…

The community college's role in economic development has expanded beyond providing traditional vocational education and job training to include activities as diverse as management and technical assistance for new and small businesses, tech prep programs with high schools, cooperative education programs, partnerships with state agencies, and…

This conference was the first nationwide meeting focusing on issues concerning the employment of black Americans with disabilities. These issues are significant because one working-age black in seven has a disability. The conference goal was to explore ways to reduce or eliminate barriers to employment preparation services and to identify methods…

"Key technologies" is an umbrella term for appropriate technologies applied to give maximum economic benefit in particular circumstances that may cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Development of the concept is necessitated by the rate of change of technological development. Key technologies may be classified in three groups related to…

In an internationally competitive training environment, implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in vocational education can provide a comparative advantage in preparing the type of work force required for micro and macro economic reforms. The concept of TQM can be used as a management tool to improve the standards of vocational training.…

Rapid changes in manufacturing technology and procedures have created a need for additional training for manufacturing workers. Traditional postsecondary vocational training is generally perceived as not adequately meeting this need because vocational training programs quickly become obsolete in the face of rapid workplace change. Customized labor…

This paper presents a model for projecting the need for special education teachers which incorporates key elements of a market-based supply/demand model. The model provides equations to predict the supply of both certified and uncertified special education teachers. It involves the following supply factors: current certified employed teacher…

Six evaluations of vocational training (VT) in a territorial context (TC) that were conducted in Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, Great Britain, and Spain were compared for the purposes of constructing a coherent synthesis of the issues developed in them, establishing strategic vectors for the construction of a reference framework for the…

This paper presents findings of a study that investigated the supply and demand of school administrators in Nebraska and their levels of job satisfaction. Methodology included: (1) an analysis of Nebraska Department of Education data sets; (2) three different surveys each of 100 teachers and 100 school administrators; and (3) a questionnaire of…

Data from the Current Population Surveys of October 1984, October 1989, and January 1991 were used to examine the role of computer and mathematical skills in the U.S. labor market from 1984-91. Particular attention was given to their actual and potential effect on the economic status of women. Data confirmed the overall increase in the education…

Most teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) face a number of challenges: large and heterogeneous classes, specialized student needs, and poor funding and employment continuity. Many work part time, often in more than one program and serving simultaneously as administrator and teacher. While most have college degrees, their training is…

One response to the shrinking budgets and increased demand for services that have become a way of life in higher education is the creation of partnerships with public and private agencies to share resources and costs. There is virtually an unlimited number of possible partnership arrangements. Off-campus training and degree programs represent one…

Intended for midlife and older women in the job market, this booklet is designed to help them in the process of looking for work outside the home. It helps them assess current skills and identify potential employment barriers; teaches them how to prepare effective written materials to support the job search and how to interview successfully; and…

This document discusses the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as a debate over the wisdom of opening the southern United States border to the free flow of goods and services between the United States and Mexico. The book is divided into six chapters. The first is a basic introduction to the development of the idea of a free trade…