A study examined local work-related education and training institutions from a system perspective. Information was obtained through field interviews of staff and administrators in secondary education, community colleges and technical facilities, and Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and similar programs, as well as record data from eight communities in four states: Fresno and San Jose, California; Jacksonville and Miami, Florida; Des Moines and Sioux City, Iowa; and Philadelphia and Scranton, Pennsylvania. The study found that many of the same types of programs, with similar purposes and strategies, exist in all the communities studied. However, some newer programs, such as work-for-welfare programs, vary considerably from place to place. The relationships among different education and training institutions, rather than their individual identities, create local systems of work-related education and training. Surprisingly little duplication and competition were found. The study derived a standard model and three variants in the divisions of programs in the communities. In the standard model, a dense network of relationships is established among education and training institutions. In the variations: (1) educational institutions are closely coordinated but lack contact with JTPA programs; (2) community colleges dominate; and (3) institutions are autonomous, with little coordination. Eight factors were cited for the varying types of relationships. Recommendations were made to design measures of effectiveness for the various types of local educational systems. (An appendix gives an overview of providers in the eight communities. There are 55 references.) (KC)