The capabilities expected of technological workers upon entry into employment were examined. Data were collected through a review of the pertinent literature and an in-person, instrument-guided interview survey of a representative sample of representatives of approximately 250 manufacturing enterprises in nine sectors. The literature review revealed six trends that led to the following conclusions: (1) recognition of the need to change from the "business as usual" mode is increasing; (2) workers are being expected to have a polyvalent arsenal of skills; (3) new forms of enterprise (work organization and hierarchy) are evolving and becoming more significant than the preceding forms; and (4) there is much confusion, fear, and tension among the workforce. According to the interviews, the extent to which the three core technologies were used in enterprises were as follows: communication and information technology, 48%; energy and power technology, 14%; and materials and processing technology, 38%. Although the employers considered foundational technological skills important, they did not consider them as important as employability and basic skills. There was little call for machine- and company-specific skills. Of the various additional targeted competencies deemed necessary, computer skills were the most frequently mentioned. (Ten figures are included. (Contains 19 references.) (MN)