Workforce Improvement Network 2000 Survey of Virginia Employers.

A stratified random sample of Virginia's 4,000 employers with over 100 employees was surveyed about workplace-based foundational basic skills (oral and written communication, reading, math, thinking skills, teamwork, English proficiency, and basic computer literacy). A total of 446 surveys were sent with a usable response rate of 18 percent. Findings indicated that employers recognize in both current employees and applicants some basic skill needs; skill needs are exacerbated by new technology, new products, and changing markets, requiring increased performance from all employees; nearly 95 percent of workers have a general educational development (GED) credential or high school diploma; 80 percent of respondents offer tuition reimbursement; the perceived quality of training sources available (community colleges, colleges and universities, private vendors, adult learning centers, and GED programs) varied widely by region; respondents viewed applicant skills less favorably than current employee skills; and learning at work was an investment most often made in the most educated employees. (Eighteen figures illustrate respondents by region and organizational size; functions performed by sites; percentage of tuition reimbursement; pre-employment assessment; full-time employees; average turnover; with diploma or GED; basic skills of employees and applicants; basic skills by region; likelihood of training in next 24 months; use of formal in-house training; use of local training provider; quality of local training and educational services; and impact of local business climate.) (YLB)