Building America's Skilled Technical Workforce
Building America's Skilled Technical Workforce

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2017-06-04

Total Pages: 259

ISBN-13: 0309440068

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Skilled technical occupationsâ€"defined as occupations that require a high level of knowledge in a technical domain but do not require a bachelor's degree for entryâ€"are a key component of the U.S. economy. In response to globalization and advances in science and technology, American firms are demanding workers with greater proficiency in literacy and numeracy, as well as strong interpersonal, technical, and problem-solving skills. However, employer surveys and industry and government reports have raised concerns that the nation may not have an adequate supply of skilled technical workers to achieve its competitiveness and economic growth objectives. In response to the broader need for policy information and advice, Building America's Skilled Technical Workforce examines the coverage, effectiveness, flexibility, and coordination of the policies and various programs that prepare Americans for skilled technical jobs. This report provides action-oriented recommendations for improving the American system of technical education, training, and certification.

U.S. Trade Competitiveness and Work Force Education and Training
U.S. Trade Competitiveness and Work Force Education and Training

Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Ways and Means. Subcommittee on Trade

Publisher:

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 144

ISBN-13:

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This document reports the oral and written testimony submitted at a Congressional hearing on ways in which the government, business, and industry are working to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. work force through education and training initiatives. Witnesses included the following: U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich; U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary David Longanecker; Thomas Bailey, Columbia University Institute on Education and the Economy; Howard Rosen, Competitiveness Policy Council; Howard Samuel, Council on Competitiveness; Stanley Litow, IBM Foundation; Roberts Jones, National Alliance of Business; Leo Reddy, National Coalition for Advanced Manufacturing; and Sanford Weill, Travelers Group, New York. Their testimony focused on the need for national policy initiatives to reform schools and job training to produce a competitive work force with the skills needed for the next century. They suggested earlier emphasis on acquiring skills needed on the job, more focus on career education at earlier grades, and the necessity for employer input into the school mission. Programs that are fulfilling these ideals were described and the necessity for more collaborative efforts was emphasized. (KC)

Building a System to Invest in People
Building a System to Invest in People

Author: National Center on Education and the Economy (U.S.). Workforce Skills Program

Publisher:

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13:

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In 1989, the National Center on Education and the Economy created the Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce. In its 1990 report, "America's Choice: High Skills or Low Wages!," the commission recommended that the United States build a new skills-development system. This document provides a progress report on reforms that followed the publication of "America's Choice." Following a brief overview of developments at the national level, the rest of the document describes the reform efforts of 12 leading states--Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin--in four areas: economic-development policy, basic education reform, the post-basic-education and training system, and the development of a labor-market system. Each state profile gives a broad picture of what the state is doing in these four areas, how the reforms fit together, and the strengths and weaknesses of the state strategy. The states: (1) set high standards for basic education; (2) offer professional and technical pathways leading to an industry-recognized certification; (3) help corner the quality market; and (4) are building a market for employment and training services. Lessons learned about the reform process and system design are also discussed. A total of 26 tables and 12 figures are included. (LMI)