The structures of and issues facing vocational education and training (VET) in the United States and Canada were compared. Selected findings were as follows: (1) VET in the United States is shifting focus from preparing students for entry-level jobs to greater emphasis on academic preparation and a wider range of career choices; (2) U.S. community colleges focus implicitly and explicitly on their regional communities, continue to be recognized for their democratizing value, and enroll more than 40% of all students in U.S. postsecondary institutions; (3) compared with universities, Canada's community colleges typically offer more job-related curricula, focus more on off-campus delivery, feature a more interactive teaching style, and have more inclusive entry criteria; and (4) as of 1993, priority issues for Canadian VET included relevance, lifelong learning, restructuring, image parity with academic education, and leadership and educational quality. Issues identified as facing VET in the United States included the shift from a manufacturing base to services and information, changing education and skill requirements, changing workplace practices, and school reform efforts. Issues identified as facing VET in Canada included the need for postsecondary education to contribute to cultural and social capital and educational institutions being seen by society as an expense rather than an asset. A glossary and list of 12 references are included. (MN)