The information needed by Congress and the U. S. Office of Education about vocational education and manpower training is discussed in terms of course information, student and trainee information, and professional personnel information. The data base consists of 38 nonaggregate data elements, and these are listed and described. The availability of the 38 data elements in local school districts and State agencies is discussed, and also the way a national data base using them can be implemented beginning with partial data now and partial automation. Complete automation with all data elements is described as it would operate when fully established at the local school district, State, and Federal levels. Suggested procedures for getting from where this kind of a national data base is now to where it would be described in full operation are detailed. Actual implementation is suggested in two stages, with specific procedures outlined for the first year, and the major activities noted for the second and subsequent years. The first year procedures are listed as the report's immediate recommendations. A glossary of nearly 150 technical and standardized terms used in the report is included at the end. (Author)