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.

To help guide the nation's workforce development system, the Department of Labor's (Labor) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) conducts research in areas related to job training and employment. Building upon earlier work, this report examined the following: (1) To what extent do ETA's research priorities reflect key national employment and training issues and how useful were the studies funded under them?; (2) What steps has ETA taken to improve its research program?; (3) How has ETA improved the availability of its research since the last review in January 2010? Charts and tables. This is a print on demand edition of an important, hard-to-find publication.

The ETA must invest in sound research that identifies the most effective and efficient ways to train and employ workers for 21st cent. jobs. ETA has been criticized for not focusing sufficient attention on its research program, conducting policy-relevant research, and disseminating key research findings in a timely way. This report examined the structure and processes of ETA's research and evaluation center. It addressed the following questions: (1) How does ETA's org. structure provide for research independence? (2) What steps has ETA taken to promote transparency and accountability in its research program? (3) How does ETA ensure that its research is relevant to workforce development policy and practice? Illus. A print on demand report.