Education, Employment, and the Economy. An Examination of Work-Related Education in Greater Pittsburgh.

Overview & Synopsis

A study described Pittsburgh's education and training system for producing skilled and semiskilled workers and sought to identify challenges that the system will face as the area's economy strives for increased vitality. The study addressed multiple education and training functions, including preparing youth for productive careers, supporting the development of work skills through employees' lifetimes, and helping displaced and disadvantaged people to develop skills and find meaningful jobs. Data were collected through interviews with leaders in the education and training field and with employers; analyzing employment and demographic trends that affect the demand for work-related skills; and development of a "map" that describes the work-related education and training system in the region. Among the results of the study are that: (1) the system was estimated to have spent $550 million of private and public funds in 1985; (2) employers were the largest source of training, followed by the public schools, proprietary schools, and the community colleges; (3) employment has shifted from manufacturing to services and more people are employed in small establishments; (4) the region has relatively fewer young people than the nation as a whole and faces continuing declines in working age population; (5) 80 percent of elementary and secondary students are in small districts outside the city of Pittsburgh, and the system in general is fragmented; and (6) the community must decide whether continued economic vitality requires a more coordinated education reform effort. (The document includes 15 charts and 13 references.) (CML)