This collection of essays examines issues that educators must address to maintain occupational education's prominent role in the future. Kathleen F. Arns considers the implications of uncertain enrollment patterns, changing delivery systems, an uneasy economic climate, government policies, and collaboration efforts. The history of occupational education and the effects of its growth on community colleges are discussed by John F. Grede. Andrew S. Korim explores strategies for dealing with the problems occupational education will face in the 1980's. Lawrence F. Davenport advocates an expanded role for community colleges in government-funded manpower programs. David S. Bushnell examines occupational education's role in job development and creation and offers program models. Mt. Hood Community College's project to collect labor market information while providing research training to unemployed persons is described by R. Dan Walleri and Betty Pritchett. Stanley J. Spanbauer describes Fox Valley Technical Institute's open-entry/open-exit Perpetual Enrollment and Graduation System. A model for comprehensive occupational program reassessment is detailed by James E. Seitz. Societal trends with implications for occupational education are examined by John E. Cleek. William A. Koehnline presents models for integrating the humanities and occupational education. The Community College of the Air Force is described by Douglas E. Testerman. Finally, Donna Dzierlenga reviews ERIC documents dealing with occupational education. (DD)