Working in the Middle: Strengthening Education and Training for the Mid-Skilled Labor Force (Jossey Bass Higher & Adult Education Series) - Hardcover

Sixty percent of America's workers have at least a high school diploma but lack a baccalaureate degree. Working in the Middle explains why this seldom studied workforce is critical to the nation's economic well-being, and offers recommAndations for business leaders, educators, trainers, and labor economists to maintain the vitality of this enormous group of workers, the backbone of the economy.Working in the Middle is the first book to offer a comprehensive view of the education and training of this growing mid-skilled labor force. Based on both statistical research and interviews with students, educators, and employers, this important resource offers a thorough examination of ?workers in the middle,? focusing on workers' characteristics, the types of work they perform, how they prepared for and obtained their positions, and what further skills do they need to develop.W. Norton Grubb stresses the advantages realized by both employers and local educational institutions such as community colleges when they join forces to meet the needs of mid-skilled workers. He examines a variety of methods--including advisory committees, placement offices, placement by occupational instructors, student follow-up and tracking mechanisms, and co-op education--that can bring employers and educators together.Working in the Middle is filled with illustrative case studies that demonstrate the powerful advantages of such exemplary practices as integration of academic and occupational education, remedial education within occupational programs, and co-op programs. Grubb also shows who unproductive short-term training programs can be redesigned to lead to effective longer-term education, using community colleges as vital links between current training programs and the education system.In addition, Grubb presents the employment advantages for potential employees who have completed associate or certificate programs. Working in the Middle outlines the distinctive characte

?Anyone interested in a better trained workforce should read this book. Well-paying jobs requiring less than a college degree are a growing sector of the economy that is often ignored. Grubb's book shows how community colleges can improve the chances of Americans securing those jobs.?--Jack Jennings, director, Center on National Education Policy?Community colleges have become America's premier training institution's and Norton Grubb has written the definitive book on how they fit into the labor market and affect economic outcomes. Working In The Middle will the standard source for years to come.?--Paul Osterman, professor of human resources and management, Sloan School, MITSixty percent of America's workers have at least a high school diploma but lack a baccalaureate degree. Working in the Middle explains why this seldom studied workforce is critical to the nation's economic well-being, and offers recommAndations for business leaders, educators, trainers, and labor economists to maintain the vitality of this enormous group of workers, the backbone of the economy.Working in the Middle is the first book to offer a comprehensive view of the education and training of this growing mid-skilled labor force. Based on both statistical research and interviews with students, educators, and employers, this important resource offers a thorough examination of ?workers in the middle,? focusing on workers' characteristics, the types of work they perform, how they prepared for and obtained their positions, and what further skills do they need to develop.