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.

Rapid changes in the workplace, including progress in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, make the contribution of career and technical education more significant than ever. In the fifth edition of his foundational text, Dr. Gordon is joined by new coauthor Deanna Schultz. Continued focus on the history, philosophy, structure, and evolution of career and technical education highlights in-depth coverage on emerging trends relevant to all areas of the field. The pedagogical structure of the text presents abundant information in an accessible format. The authors’ introduction to the origins of and early leadership in CTE lays the groundwork for later discussions of representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the discipline, as well as the implications of a multigenerational workforce and global community on the way educational programs are designed for career readiness. In addition to comprehensive updates, this edition features a section exploring work-based learning, information on current legislation, and a new chapter on community and technical colleges.

Includes: Child Nutriiton Act of 1966; Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981; Head Start Act; Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990; States Dependent Care Development Grants Act; Community Services Block Grant Program; Child Development Associate Scholarship Assistance Act of 1985; Older Americans Act of 1965; Native Americans Program Act of 1974; Juvenile Justice and Deliquency Prevention Act of 1974, and related laws.

This report on a House congressional hearing on proposed legislation regarding the improvement of science and technology education and advanced technical training in two-year colleges presents testimony, along with prepared letters, statements, and supplemental materials. The report opens with an introductory statement by Rick Boucher, the House subcommittee chair, and continues with testimony and prepared statements on the Technical Education and Training Act of 1991 (H.R. 2936) and the National Community College Technology Act (H.R. 3606). Statements and, in some cases, responses to questions by subcommittee members are provided by the following witnesses: Nebraska Congressman Peter Hoagland; Dr. Luther S. Williams, National Science Foundation; Jeff Ellison, Intel Corporation; P. Douglas Groseclose, Martin Marietta Electronics; Dr. Cary Israel, Illinois Community College Board; Dr. William F. Synder, Wytheville Community College (Virginia); and Dr. Paul C. Gianini, Jr., Valencia Community College (Florida). The report concludes with the subcommittee markup of H.R. 2936 and the full committee markup of H.R. 2936. An appendix provides statements submitted by Sam Villareal of the Texas Engineering Extension Service, Texas A&M University System, and V. David Vandelinde, the Chair of the Engineering Education Coalition, along with the subcommittee report on H.R. 2936. (JMC)

Includes: Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998; Workforce Investment Act of 1998; Wagner-Peyser Act; National Apprenticeship Act; Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Helen Keller National Center Act; Museum and Library Services Act; and National Commission on Libraries and Information Science Act.