The Persistent Dilemmas of Preparing for Work: Occupational Training Programs in Texas. Policy Research Project Report Number 55.

Three major types of occupational training programs in Texas were analyzed to reveal their strengths and weaknesses and the extent to which each had succeeded in resolving the dilemmas common to all forms of occupational training. These dilemmas were effectiveness and relevance, the purpose and content of training, and targeting. Firm-based training provided skills that external programs could not provide and enjoyed advantages in recruitment, screening, retention, and placement. Firms rejected government incentives to train handicapped persons and were indifferent toward public training efforts and training disadvantaged persons. Postsecondary vocational education avoided the controversies and negative perceptions that plagued Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) programs and enjoyed a flexibility and diversity of goals that firm-based training could not emulate. Targeting and outreach efforts needed improvement. CETA programs had developed various methods to increase employer participation. Common problems included employers' negative opinions of CETA eligibles, excessive federal regulations, and "creaming." Implications for reforming public training programs were suggested, including improved use of advisory committees, strengthening of joint training, integration of vocational education and manpower programs, improvement of evaluation and performance standards, and stabilization of occupational training programs. (YLB)