It is the intent of the occupational needs assessment model to provide data on present and future occupational training requirements for local communities, place the job skill needs in a priority ranking, and relate the occupational need data to the labor market and educational curriculum. This paper shows the development of this model, indicating…

This report provides an overview of economic trends and their effect on labor market training needs in Saskatchewan. Following a brief introduction, part 2 provides an overview of international economic trends, including data on world demographics, while part 3 examines the Canadian economy, focusing on job stability and the employment of…

A futurist presents a picture of "cautious optimism" for the decade ahead in terms of resources--natural, technological, economic, organizational/political, human, labor and wages, and education and job skills. Our biggest problem, he says, is divisiveness, and education can help by preparing citizens to contribute to society through work. (MF)

An environmental scan was conducted to assess the demographic and economic conditions in Passaic County (New Jersey) as a way of providing information helpful to Passaic County Community College (PCCC) in its planning activities. The environment scan focused on immigration patterns, job creation and loss trends, business hiring needs, PCCC…

This study examined the economic development role of small businesses in Macomb County, Michigan, in order to identify those businesses which are most significant in terms of their contribution to economic development and, which therefore, would warrant public support for their retention and growth. Using these criteria, the study isolated the…

This report charts the economic changes occurring in the South during the past two decades, presents a status report on where the South is today, and offers an agenda for future development. The South has made great strides, diversifying its economy and improving racial inequities. Several of its cities have successfully engaged the new economy,…

Four key trends will shape the American labor force in the final years of the 20th century. The American economy should grow at a relatively healthy pace. Despite its international comeback, however, U.S. manufacturing constitutes a much smaller share of the economy in the year 2000 than it does today. The work force will grow slowly, becoming…

According to reliable statistical information from a wide variety of sources, the hospitality industry in the United Kingdom is a significant growth industry that employed more than 2 million people (7% of the country's work force) in 1994. Of those individuals, 685,000 were employed in catering services sectors (with hospitals, retirement/nursing…

We are witnessing an historic shift in our approach to employment policy that will have profound implications for vocational educators. This shift is most recognizable in the waning influence of demand-side economics and the ascendence of supply-side economics. Recent indications are that public policy is no longer firmly committed to maintaining…

The effects of globalization and rapid technological change on emerging occupational patterns in Australia need to be understood in order to understand their implications for the effects on education and vocational training. Building on the classification scheme introduced by Robert Reich in his 1992 book, the Work of Nations, Australian…

Despite 6 years of economic growth, California's workforce investment system faces the following challenges: (1) meeting the needs of workers who do not earn enough to bring their families significantly above the poverty level; (2) meeting the needs of employers who face continuing shortages of workers with needed skills; and (3) meeting the needs…

The problems faced by out-of-school young adults in the United States and the policy implications of those problems were examined. The analysis was based on a review of pertinent publications and statistical data from various government agencies and other sources. The study documented that the past decade has witnessed areas of progress,…

The education-to-labor market transitions experienced by young people in England and in eastern and western Germany were compared. The eastern German portion of the study was based on a 1996 study that included a survey of 100 trainers and 1,000 apprentices in 12 companies; in-depth interviews with 18 trainers, career advisers, and others; and…

This report reviews the current situation of Bulgaria's vocational education and training (VET) system to identify challenges facing the system and areas needing reform. Section 1 explores the following five aspects of Bulgaria's political and socioeconomic situation: (1) demography; (2) economic developments (privatization of state enterprises,…

Despite their highly divergent situations, young people largely share the same values, ambitions, and difficulties. Despite the more complex social and economic context in which young Europeans are currently living, they are well equipped to adapt. National and European policymakers must facilitate this process of change by making young people…