Linkages between the labor market and educational institutions are often less than optimal because institutions have too few business/industry contacts, supply and demand are mismatched, or curriculum development takes too long. International comparisons may contribute to understanding of vocational education and training configurations and…

Includes "Difficult Metamorphosis of the Social 'Models' of the Nordic Countries" (Goetschy); "Swedish Training System" (Ottersten); "Features of Vocational Education in Finland" (Kyro); "Boom in Apprenticeship Training in Finland" (Vartiainen); "Vocational Training in Austria" (Riemer);…

This second annual report of the National Commission for Manpower Policy focuses on an employment strategy to attain the goal of full employment. In Section I the Commission's recommendations from the text are summarized into twenty steps to establish an employment strategy. Section II provides background information on the definition of…

The central mission of the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC) and its network of State Occupational Information Coordinating Committees (SOICCs) is to help states develop and implement an occupational information system (OIS). NOICC supports the use of existing sources of data for the OIS and has worked with the…

Based on a pilot project at Exeter University (Devon, England) a software audit, comparing number of copies of software installed with number of license agreements, is described. Discussion includes auditing budgets, workstation questionnaires, the scanner program which detects the hardware configuration and staff training, analysis and…

For more than 40 years, Job Corps has led America as one of the most successful job training programs nationwide, meeting the needs of high school graduates and those without a diploma who have the desire to embark on a successful career path. In Program Year 2005, Job Corps implemented a new initiative called STARS (Speakers, Tutors, Achievement,…

Describes the methods, success, and future prospects of Jobs for America's Graduates, a nonprofit program encouraging cooperation between schools and private employers in identifying, training, and finding suitable employment for students lacking job skills as high school seniors. The program serves 8,000 students annually in eight states. (PGD)

Describes a number of employment projects for low-income persons over age 55 nationwide through the Employment and Training Administration's Senior Community Service Program. Many public and private agencies are program sponsors, some for several years, receiving federal funds through grants to states. (MF)

In Argentina, vocational guidance is used to identify psychological and educational resources to help people through transitions and changes, and to develop training, job-related projects, and strategies useful to acquire new competencies. Though public policies favoring the development of an integrated national counseling system do not exist,…

Countries of Central and Eastern Europe already developing model standards in the framework of restructuring their education systems have been chosen to develop model standards for other countries. To compare the standards being developed in these countries, a system of indicators must be developed. The most important indicators are as follows:…

The University of Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland Schools Examinations Council (UBLS/SEC) is preparing to expand its external examination and certification responsibilities, as well as its role in primary and secondary school curriculum development within its member countries. This plan addresses the educational measurement aspects of the…

The education sector of New Zealand was restructured in 1989. Career Services was created by integrating the Vocational Guidance Service and careers information functions from the Department of Labor. The goal of the Career Services is to assist in the achievement of government education, training, and employment goals through high quality…

Saudi Arabia is attempting to build an indigenous skilled labor force to meet manpower needs. The system includes five secondary vocational industrial schools, the Higher Technical Institute, prevocational and vocational training centers using competency-based, mediated instructional materials, and mobile training units for isolated areas. (SK)

This document outlines the major features and achievements of the Australian vocational education and training system in 1996 and provides some illustrative examples of specific initiatives undertaken by states, territories, and the Commonwealth. Among the major achievements detailed in the report are the following: (1) for students--35,000 more…

This document contains detailed information on the performance and characteristics of the vocational education and training (VET) system in Australia in 1996. The report looks at a range of specific key performance measures for the VET sector. Some highlights of the performance of the VET sector in 1996 include the following: (1) more than 1.35…