This document records the oral testimony and written reports of witnesses who testified at a Congressional hearing on education for entry-level workers who are needed by small businesses. Those who offered oral or written testimony included representatives of the following: National Alliance of Business, the American Society for Training and Development, the Educational Testing Service, the Council on Competitiveness, and the Executive Secretarial School. The testimony centered on the theme that noncollege-bound students, who represent about 75 percent of students, do not have the basic skills needed to fill the jobs available and to advance in those jobs. Witnesses suggested that many kinds of reform have been tried with little success. They pointed to Goals 2000, however, as the type of movement that is needed and that might provide the goals necessary for collective work toward a more competitive work force. Some witnesses believe that educational reform cannot be just "tinkering around the edges," but must be a complete overhaul of the school system. Others suggested a "youth apprenticeship" program for the last 2 years of high school, with employers playing a greater role in training students for the jobs available. According to one witness, schools and employers need to agree on validated skills necessary for high school graduates so noncollege-bound students have some incentive to study. In addition, education should stress more applications, according to several witnesses. Some witnesses also stated that small businesses cannot afford training for their employees and that the federal government should provide tax incentives for training personnel, just as they do for technology and equipment purchases. (KC)

A roadmap for how we can rebuild America's working class by transforming workforce education and training. The American dream promised that if you worked hard, you could move up, with well-paying working-class jobs providing a gateway to an ever-growing middle class. Today, however, we have increasing inequality, not economic convergence. Technological advances are putting quality jobs out of reach for workers who lack the proper skills and training. In Workforce Education, William Bonvillian and Sanjay Sarma offer a roadmap for rebuilding America's working class. They argue that we need to train more workers more quickly, and they describe innovative methods of workforce education that are being developed across the country.

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.