Examining the trends and issues in vocational education, this speech focuses on the historical basis for vocational education, the current situation in vocational education, vocational education in the 1980's, the role of vocational education in economic development, and research related to these topics. Issues which are currently being discussed in congress, industry, and education are listed along with current problems affecting the success of vocational education in the area of transition from school to work. The implications for vocational education research are presented in the following four questions: (1) What economic impact does vocational education have? (2) Does the training one receives in vocational education make a smoother transition from school to work? (3) How well are current vocational education programs doing? and (4) Can vocational education help solve problems relating to welfare, crime, health, urban and rural development. Included is a question and answer series relating to the Bakke decision, unemployment, inflation, the youth employment and development project, competency-based testing, career centers, and area vocational-technical schools. (LRA)