Business and industry have been shaken by the explosion of new technology, and scientific and technological advances will continue to have a profound impact on the labor market. Vocational education plays a key role in preparing citizens for jobs. This manual encourages greater use of advisory committees in vocational education programs. Advisory committees assist in: (1) general program planning; (2) curriculum and instruction advisement; (3) equipment and facilities advisement; (4) student recruitment, career guidance, and placement services; (5) professional development; (6) community public relations; and (7) program evaluation. Each section of the manual offers a step-by-step approach to organizing advisory committees: (1) what advisory committees do in Alabama; (2) structural features of advisory committees--the link between the community and the schools; (3) recruiting advisory committee members; (4) organizing advisory committee meetings; and (5) evaluating committee effectiveness. Throughout the manual are 25 sample materials--forms, letters, and checklists--for establishing successful advisory committees. (NLA)