In the coming decade, three major developments will become important factors for change in vocational education. These are changes in the demographic profile and retirement practices, regional shifts in economic activity and in employment, and renewal of the industrial sector as a key ingredient in economic growth. Because of inflation, greater life expectancies, and changes in public policy and social attitudes, older persons will remain in the work force longer and will thereby become considerably more important in the market for vocational programs, provided that their needs and the need for sustaining enrollments in vocational education receive priority in the coming decades. Regional shifts in employment and economic activity have created the need for increased supplies of trained personnel in rapid growth areas. Recent inflation, high unemployment, and slow productivity growth rates will increase opportunities in technical and service fields and reduce opportunities for semiskilled factory operatives. If vocational education is to respond adequately to this major restructuring of the industrial economy, it must become aware of the economic changes at hand. (MN)