This document records the oral and written testimony of witnesses at a Congressional hearing about the growing gap between the skills of workers in the United States and the requirements of the workplace and what private industry and government can do about the situation. Witnesses included Senators, Representatives, officials from the Department of Labor, educators, and representatives of business and industry associations. Testimony stated that many workers are not being educated and trained to meet the demands of the jobs that need to be filled. From basic entry-level positions to technicians, engineers, and scientists, workers who can do the job are becoming increasingly hard to find. This skills crisis is becoming a menace to the nation's economic future, according to testimony. A proposal by the Labor Department to improve the situation called for norms for work readiness, credentialing, school-to-work transition programs, and work-based training. Testimony also noted the need for inclusion of minority groups in training to help them participate in the work force more fully. Frustration was expressed with the slow pace at which programs are being initiated to solve this crisis. (KC)