A project was conducted in response to House Joint Resolution (HJR) 143 to determine the efficacy of Virginia public education institutions in preparing a skilled work force for the 21st century. It focused on complex manufacturing technology to identify and implement model procedures for studying other occupational areas. Information was obtained from the literature, representatives of manufacturing businesses, and educators at the secondary, community college, and senior college or university levels. Data collection methods included a mail survey, interviews, and two meetings of educators and business personnel. Findings based on 15 completed surveys (six from large businesses and nine from small businesses) indicated the following: a pattern of little or no employment of entry-level and first-line supervisory personnel by manufacturing firms; employers could be very selective in hiring; no consideration is given to applicants lacking critical competencies for employment; and educators are concerned about placing graduates. Business personnel and educators identified the critical competencies. The major conclusion was that the Virginia work force would not be prepared unless critical competencies were developed. Recommendations focused on coordinating statewide work force preparation efforts and implementing the development of the critical competencies at secondary schools, community colleges, and higher education institutions. (Appendixes include HJR 143, model procedures for study of an occupational area, instruments, entry-level worker and first-line supervisor competencies, and programs from the two meetings.) (YLB)