This document describes the essential elements of jobs for the Future's (JFF) four-state work force preparation policy proces. It begins with a brief outline of the following five steps: (1) use information to clarify necessary action; (2) create regional and community forums; (3) educate and empower the citizenry; (4) assess employer practices and needs; and (5) build a multisector constituency. Procedures for each step are summarized and each summary contains a list of technical assistance products that JFF developed in assisting states and communities in strengthening their work force preparation systems. Following the outline are three products available from JFF. The first of these, "Developing a Competitive Workforce," is a workbook to help communities in the State of Colorado identify and develop concrete educational initiatives to help people compete more effectively for jobs. The workbook's three primary sections concern the following topics: (1) defining work force issues; (2) setting priorities; and (3) developing an action plan. The workbook provides examples from other communities and lists of resources. The second product, "GamePlan," is a career opportunity learning game. This board game contains exercises that help individuals plan their future working lives. The third product, "Education and Training in the Missouri Economy: A Survey of Missouri Employers," is a report based on a survey of 10,000 employers, to which there were approximately 850 usable responses. Findings are reported that indicate a mismatch between the emerging workforce challenges and the business practices firms currently use to meet those challenges. (YLB)