Information Technology and the U.S. Workforce


Book Description

Recent years have yielded significant advances in computing and communication technologies, with profound impacts on society. Technology is transforming the way we work, play, and interact with others. From these technological capabilities, new industries, organizational forms, and business models are emerging. Technological advances can create enormous economic and other benefits, but can also lead to significant changes for workers. IT and automation can change the way work is conducted, by augmenting or replacing workers in specific tasks. This can shift the demand for some types of human labor, eliminating some jobs and creating new ones. Information Technology and the U.S. Workforce explores the interactions between technological, economic, and societal trends and identifies possible near-term developments for work. This report emphasizes the need to understand and track these trends and develop strategies to inform, prepare for, and respond to changes in the labor market. It offers evaluations of what is known, notes open questions to be addressed, and identifies promising research pathways moving forward.







Building America's Skilled Technical Workforce


Book Description

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.




21st-Century Apprenticeship


Book Description

Illustrates how a changing U.S. economy demands a revival of employer-based workforce training and suggests a new model of apprenticeship founded on the best of practices past and present, overseas and at home. Registered apprenticeship provides opportunities to "learn and earn." Research data indicates that individuals who graduate with an apprenticeship certificate have higher starting salaries than those with only a two-year degree. This book examines the rebirth of an age-old concept in the 21st century—apprenticeship. Serving as a call to action with a positive message for parents, entrepreneurs, educators, legislators, and political leaders, the book analyzes the condition of the U.S. and world economies from an employment and occupational perspective and describes how apprenticeship training can significantly bolster the economic recovery. Author Jeffrey A. Cantor, PhD, explains how modern-day apprenticeships can serve business owners in developing workers, parents in guiding their children into productive careers and professions, community leaders in instituting workforce development policies that support both entrepreneurs and citizens, and college educators in working more effectively with business and industry within our communities. Readers will learn how apprenticeship can provide young people with invaluable opportunities to train for desirable, high-tech, and high-wage jobs, without their having to "give up" on a college education—it is possible to have both.




Postsecondary vocational education


Book Description

Descriptions and evaluations of the vocational education services delivered to special populations, the effects of the Carl D. Perkins Act of 1984 in modernizing the vocational education system, the impact of vocational education on academic skills and employment opportunities, and other topics as mandated by Congress in the Act (Section 403[a]).




Apprenticeship


Book Description