This article argues for the need to differentiate between "professional" and "support" careers in fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM). Using data from the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY), the article identifies important differences in the nature of the work and responsibility that…

Describes how to design a job-training program starting with an in depth analysis of the job itself. (RB)

New programs offer fresh opportunities to create new careers with potential for disadvantaged adults to grow and develop. This publication describes some practical ways to view jobs in determining whether to restructure to form new opportunities. The process of task analysis involves identification of the duties, taks, and elements of the job…

The "rhetoric of skill requirements" is a way of describing work by decomposing the human contribution into distinct components. Three important characteristics of this rhetoric are especially germane to an understanding of work. The first characteristic is that jobs and their incumbents can be fully analyzed by breaking them down into skills.…

This report identifies generic competencies (skills necessary for success in the workplace) and foundations (skills and qualities underlying the competencies). Chapter 1 explains use of this report to help educators make high school courses more relevant to the needs of a modern work force and to help employers ensure that their employees possess…

The report explores the obstacles to increased occupational mobility for workers at a multiplant manufacturing firm. Analysis of the job histories of workers at two plants found advancement opportunities to be limited and inequitable because narrow departmental units were used as the basis for defining eligibility for promotions. Through the use…

One possible reason for ambiguous findings regarding changes in work skills is the way work skills are defined and measured. Five conceptual bases for defining work skills are illustrated in the research literature: abilities of individuals, behavior requirements of jobs, ability requirements of jobs, behaviors exhibited at work, and abilities…

The report summarizes the various job analysis techniques that have been developed, discusses their applications to selected human resource management activities, and suggests priorities for further research and developmental work. The introduction defines job analysis and discusses the applications of job analysis data, and the structure of the…

A research study identified the work force education and training requirements for communication and information technologies that form the key elements of a human resources development plan at the U.S. Army Aviation Center (USAAVNC), Fort Rucker, Alabama, for the 1990s. Qualitative data were collected from key personnel interviews, discussions by…

This four-part package is designed to assist Australian workshop leaders running 2-day workshops on skills analysis, skills audit, and training needs analysis. Part A contains information on how to use the package and a list of workshop aims. Parts B, C, and D consist, respectively, of the workshop leader's guide; overhead transparency sheets and…

In Brazil, electronic technicians are increasingly being asked to perform a number of technical and nontechnical tasks, for which they need complex education and training or multiskilling. The typical tasks faced by electronic technicians require a relatively high level of abstraction and symbolic learning. Required skills cover a broad range of…

This symposium on workplace learning consists of three presentations. "Beyond School-to-Work Initiatives: Does Human Resource Development (HRD) Have a Role?" (Gene Roth, Laurel Jeris) asks HRD professionals to consider potential relationships between career development and current federally funded educational initiatives for workforce…