A Nation at Work: Education and the Private Sector.

Overview & Synopsis

This report is based on five regional forums held in 1983 on the topic of business and vocational education. The forums, conducted in cooperation with the National Commission for Employment Policy and the State Advisory Councils on Vocational Education, provided the opportunity for an exchange of ideas and information with representatives of the private sector. Employers discussed their perceptions of vocational education and education generally, their expectations, and areas where improvements are needed. Several themes were heard repeatedly throughout the forums. One was the reliance of employers on high quality vocational programs to provide trained workers. Another was a desire to see improvement in all areas of vocational education to bring programs up to the highest standards and keep them abreast of the latest developments in technology and skill requirements. Also stressed was the need for greater relevance in education generally to the requirements of the workplace so that all students will be prepared to function when they move into the world of work. The businesses represented were willing to work in partnership with education to help improve quality. (This report contains an overview of the forums, a discussion of business-education partnerships, and conclusions and recommendations by the Council.) (KC)