The United States has no systematic procedure to help secondary students transition from school to employment. That lack most adversely affects poor and minority students. The article examines successful school to work transitioning in Japan and Germany and notes that businesses and governments must recognize their responsibilities in preparing…

A discussion of labor force development worldwide, especially as it relates to use of new technologies, looks at the interplay of such factors as demand for and supply of appropriately trained workers and the world's changing demography. Policy considerations in matching supply with demand are examined. (MSE)

Describes the organization of a regional symposium to provide a learning environment that promotes professional development of graduate engineering students and the interactive exchange of ideas among regional industries and universities. Includes a brief history of the event, goals and guidelines for hosting such a symposium, and an illustration…

Focuses on the role of education and human resource development in relation to the economic performance of countries over time examining three major regions: (1) the early developing western nations (North America and Europe); (2) the newly industrializing countries of East Asia; and (3) the underdeveloped countries especially in Africa. (CMK)

Surveys of rural and urban businesses and households in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin found that: only 25 percent of firms had trouble hiring skilled workers; required skills were not particularly high-tech; few firms used public or private education providers in their skill training activities; and the labor force was overtrained…

Discusses Cerro Coso Community College in Ridgecrest (California), where 80-85 of all local jobs are with one employer, the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS). States that massive layoffs at NAWS inspired creative ways of rethinking the community college model at Cerro Coso, such as creating the nation's first computer graphics imagery…

Argues that, despite national data showing a limited role for associate-degree-only graduates in information technology (IT) occupations, the high levels of enrollment, low graduation rates, and large numbers of older students suggest that community colleges are functioning as retraining institutions rather than primary training institutions.…

States that community colleges have an increased need to focus on marketing their services to students in addition to providing them. Gives the example of Central Piedmont Community College's (Virginia) partnership with the local Workforce Development Board, and the competitive edge it afforded the college. Explores whether job training…

Despite growth in the service sector, manufacturing remains a vital part of the rural South's economic base and is related to lower poverty rates. However, manufacturing is changing, adopting new technologies and management practices, and seeking more highly skilled labor. Poor rural schools, an unskilled workforce, and absence of community…

The historic relationship between higher education and economic development in the United States is analyzed, and the implications of current economic changes for the individual's need for higher education are examined. It is suggested that liberal educators must provide the more autonomous and skilled workforce required in the new economy, and…

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) clearly identifies community colleges as integral players in creating a high quality workforce. With multiple funding streams, greater local control over system design, and a mandate for universal access, community colleges must be able to address the client tracking and data management challenges that…

Core issues for postsecondary vocational education in community colleges are as follows: (1) one core mission of community colleges is work force development; (2) traditional vocational education (terminal programs preparing for entry-level jobs) is outmoded; (3) academic structures hinder flexibility and responsiveness; and (4) the…

Focuses on how faculty members in one university department used the problem formulation phase of deliberative inquiry to assess future needs for their human resource development (HRD) specialization. Overviews the research methodology of deliberative inquiry. Describes the systematic approach--subject matter analysis--that was used to structure…

Examined the nature of government policy toward community colleges in the United States and Canada in the 1990s and colleges' responses. Government policies were found to direct community colleges toward economic goals, emphasizing workforce training and state economic competitiveness and compelling colleges to improve efficiencies, increase…

Disadvantaged adult students need special support and clear pathways to economic self-sufficiency. Programs that support them require clear data and information about their success to move forward.