In the face of the emergence of a global, technology-driven, skills-based economy and a continuing shortage of skilled labor in Minnesota, a study examined the development of a world-class training system for the state's workers and businesses. The study found the following: (1) there is an urgent need to address the high-skill needs of both employers and workers; (2) in the area of work force training, public agencies and programs are largely geared to the old model of unemployment reduction despite changing labor conditions and the skill demands of the new economy; (3) employers mostly provide short-term training to meet specific needs; (4) too many high school graduates lack the basic skills needed in the workplace and the foundation in mathematics and science to go into many high-skill occupations; (5) students need more exposure to the work world and stronger career counseling; (6) Minnesota's public postsecondary institutions are not meeting the large-scale needs of employers or workers; and (7) publicly-funded training programs for unemployed and disadvantaged workers are seen as services to individuals in need and not as parts of the state's work force training strategy. Among recommendations were for the state legislature to establish a "training czar"; to invest in training already employed workers; and to encourage the creation of virtual universities. (KC)