Vermont, the most rural state in the northeastern United States, can represent that area for consideration of the problems of rural vocational education. Nearly 21% of Vermont's work-aged population has vocational training. More than half of all high school juniors and seniors now enroll in vocational education programs, and new adult education programs appear regularly. Manpower training, designed to strengthen state and local economies, has been a prerogative of the state government. However, the Federal Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) now contributes to several important programs in labor force development and training, and provides employment opportunities for the unemployed. Presently, vocational education completions in agriculture and office occupations outnumber openings in the state labor market; however, programs are not meeting labor force demands in forestry, machinery manufacturing, recreation, personal services, and health, education, and professional services. Because the Northeast has more high quality industries in non-metropolitan areas than do other areas of the United States, vocational education efforts must be linked to both job quality and economic development objectives. Difficulties in transportation and accessibility, inequitable financial allocations, program arrangements designed for urban rather than rural areas, and excessive Federal regulations and paperwork create administrative problems in Vermont's rural vocational education and training programs, although some benefits have resulted from Federal involvement. (CM)