A Study of General Education Requirements in Vocational Education Programs.

Overview & Synopsis

A study determined the perceptions of recent completers of California community college vocational programs and their employers regarding the job-related competencies and knowledge of general education the completers should possess in order to succeed and advance in their careers. Completers had received degrees or certificates in either agriculture; business and management; computer and information science; engineering and related studies; health; consumer education and home economics; and public affairs and services. A sample of 2,330 completers and 306 employers were asked to complete survey questionnaires that contained a list of 46 job-related competencies and general education outcomes. They rated each competency's importance to performance in current jobs and to career advancement. Responses from 48 percent of the students and 71 percent of the employers were received. The following are among the results reported: (1) the responses from completers seemed to validate the importance of good work habits, work attitudes, and other positive work behaviors; (2) competencies in the areas of interpersonal skills, communication skills, and problem solving were also considered important; (3) perceptions were very similar, regardless of whether the respondents held degrees or certificates, and there were few differences across program areas; and (4) generally, employers' and completers' responses were similar. (A 10-item bibliography and appendices listing participating colleges, providing the survey forms, and tabulating results are included.) (CML)