| Summary |
The purpose of this study is to gain practical and usable insights into the relationship of the schools and the business community in providing adequate vocational preparation. A researcher designed printed questionnaire was hand carried to each of 150 business owners and managers who consented to cooperate in the study. The underlying aim was to gain Information that will reflect the present status of employer attitude and, at the same time, point directions for future growth and improvement of vocational education at the high school level. The return rate was 84 per cent (126 questionnaires). Among the major issues dealt with are the status of vocational education as reflected through the collective views of the participants, the relation of academic preparation to vocational training, participant awareness of broader Issues relating to vocational education, consideration of specific course content and organization, co-operative vocational programs, and community resources for vocational education. Also treated were some of the philosophical and socioeconomic aspects of the work ethic in American society, a the changing role of work engendered by social and technological forces. Each questionnaire item was treated as a separate study, and accompanied with narrative explanation, tabular figures, and histograms to make the concentration and spread of responses easier to interpret. A positive climate of opinion and attitude toward high school vocational training was found; while the executives strongly support sound general and academic preparation for high school students as foundation for employment at all levels, they feel that equal status should be accorded students whether their programs are academic or vocational. Education for work should not be restricted to the non-college bound students and those with low ability. Employers seem to feel that basic Information, understanding, and skills should be emphasized in high school vocational programs, and that more advanced and specialized job preparation can be acquired after high school# In this context, they see the need for more articulation between the high school vocational education programs and such advanced programs as those offered through Lenoir County Community College. From these findings it is recommended that resources of the schools and the business community should be concerted more Intensively to provide realistic vocational education. |
