The United States requires a coordinated, national approach to human resource development that will result in the establishment of priorities, detailed planning, and the full use of public and private resources backed by adequate state and federal funding. Problems of unemployment, underemployment, skilled worker shortages, national defense needs for well trained armed forces, the fragmentation of government training programs, and conflicting program requirements all underscore the compelling need for a national policy framework for employment development and training. While America's community colleges can and do provide educational upgrading programs, prepare skilled workers, assist local industries, and provide expertise in state and local planning, these institutions must be better utilized in solving the problems of employment development and training. This can be accomplished through occupationally specific training, focus on skill shortage areas, programs promoting entrepreneurship, collaboration with local businesses and labor unions, and productivity studies and local work force planning efforts. However, national leadership and a policy framework are required if these programs are to be implemented. Existing legislation must be reviewed and new legislation initiated to promote school industry cooperation, increase state-level determination of resource allocations, promote preparation for jobs with regional priority, and unify federal job training programs. (KL)