The 1998 Work Force Development Study focuses on Spartanburg Technical College's (STC's) (South Carolina) role in preparing new workers and training/retraining the current workforce. Surveys were mailed to employers in business and industry--the response rate was 10%. In addition, a series of focus groups, including various business, industry, educational, and community leaders, discussed issues concerning their educational needs and how they can be met by STC. The study is separated into five sections, with focus group and employer comments included at the end of each. Results indicate there is high employee availability in the community, especially among low-skilled workers. There is an increased demand for technical or four-year college graduates. The top five technical jobs include secretarial/administrative assistant, engineer, accountant/bookkeeper, computer technician, and health services practitioner. The basic skills needed currently, and predicted by employers to be needed in the future, include reading, speaking/listening, writing, and mathematics. At least 20% of employers surveyed indicated that most employees need training in all workplace competencies, with the majority stating that they would utilize technical colleges to do so. Though only about 25% of employers were familiar with STC, about half agreed that it seemed a good place to study and earn a degree. (YKH)