The Vocational Education Data System (VEDS) data base was created as a result of the Vocational Education Amendments of 1976. VEDS statistics were to be collected in the form of state-aggregate data (that is, state-level data is submitted by each state, based upon records and data collected by the state for this and other purposes); and VEDS data, which cover only that portion of the vocational education enterprise which is covered by state plans under the Vocational Education Act (about 90 percent of vocational education students). Data contained in the VEDS database are the following: (1) the results of mandated state evaluations of the extent to which program completers and leavers find employment in occupations related to their training and are considered by their employers to be well trained and prepared: (2) data on vocational students, including race and sex; (3) programs; (4) program completers and leavers: (5) staff; (6) facilities; and (7) expenditures. The system was installed for the school year 1978-79, and has continued on an annual basis since that time. At present, data through 1980 are available for access by educators and researchers. (The main part of the document contains detailed information on the various categories of data available in VEDS; an annotated listing of key publications which contain data about vocational education; and an annotated listing of the available data tapes and instructions about how they can be ordered.) (KC)