A discussion is provided of how breakthroughs in the application of computers in the manufacturing of automobiles affect the development of community college programs, with particular emphasis on how Michigan community colleges have developed a capacity to respond to changes in this field. First, the paper explains what computer-based manufacturing technologies are and looks at the forms and levels of their implementation. Next, the effect of computer-based technologies on jobs and skills is analyzed, concluding that the deployment of the new manufacturing technologies will eliminate certain jobs, but also raise the skill levels of the remaining workers in manufacturing. The community college response to new technology is examined next, including a critical analysis of errors made by community colleges in the design and development of robotics programs. Next, Michigan's experiences with respect to the development of computer-based manufacturing are described, highlighting the creation of the Industrial Technology Institute (ITI) to develop and utilize advanced manufacturing technologies. After reviewing the growing relationship between the ITI and the state's community colleges, the paper looks at lessons that have been learned during the past 2 years of joint ITI-community college activities and explores three areas in vocational-technical education that offer particular challenges and opportunities for community colleges. Finally, concluding comments caution that training is not a substitute for an employment policy and that the issue of whether public education can meet the training challenges of the new manufacturing technologies is still open. (EJV)