A recent study concluded that the requirements for the completion of apprenticeship training programs should be based on competence rather than the period of participation in the programs. If providers of apprenticeship training programs are to be able to follow this recommendation and to effect other changes in the structure of apprenticeship training programs that have become necessary as a result of recent technological, demographic, and economic changes, then a strong collaborative partnership must be maintained between the vocational education and private sectors. The two sectors must provide joint support for the following: research and development, demonstration projects and activities, curriculum development and related instruction, and apprenticeship school linkage activities. In 1983, the U.S. Department of Education implemented several important projects in the areas of improvement of related instruction in apprenticeship training and improvement of linkages between vocational education and organized labor in the United States. Moreover, the new Federal legislation, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984, contains several provisions geared toward improvinq the linkages and collaboration between apprenticeship and vocational education. (MN)