Building America's Skilled Technical Workforce

This 259-page report, provided by the National Academy of Sciences, discusses the results from a study done by the Committee on the Supply Chain for Middle Skilled Jobs. This committee was formed "to examine the coverage, effectiveness, flexibility, and coordination of the policies and various programs that prepare Americans for skilled technical jobs." During the study, the committee reviewed academic and evaluation literature, commissioned papers on a series of topics, held a national symposium, and consulted experts to gather evidence and incorporate diverse viewpoints. This report provides the committee's conclusions and recommendations for improving the system of technical education, training, and certification for skilled technical jobs. 

This report includes a Table of Contents and the following sections: Summary, The Skilled Technical Workforce Development Challenge, Labor Market Patterns and Trends, The Public Policy Context, The Complex U.S. System of Workforce Education and Training, Challenges in Developing a Skilled Technical Workforce, Key Lessons For Programs and Policies, Findings and Recommendations, References, Appendixes, Tables and Figures, and Abbreviations and Acronyms.