One of a series of sixteen knowledge transformation papers, this paper combines a glimpse at historical origins of the relationship between vocational education and employment training programs with an examination of current vocational education-CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) relationships. While research and development are recommended to improve the understanding of these relationships, emphasis is also given to the idea that cooperative efforts provide a means to improve individual well-being through enhanced labor market opportunity. Besides citing major research and legislation affecting vocational education and federal involvement in employment and training, comparisons are drawn between vocational education and CETA in the following areas: allocation of federal funds, target groups, delivery systems, and interaction. Then, the eight titles of the CETA Amendments of 1978 are summarized. Next, examples are given of recent institutional change produced by YEDPA (Youth Employment Demonstration Programs Act). After describing these present organizational possibilities, their translation into probability statements is considered. Also included is a recommended research agenda for determining organizational objectives and who can be helped, under what circumstances, and at what cost. The appendixes show the evolution of the CETA titles, the allocation of CETA funds, and formulas for their allocation. (ELG)