In 1989, the Industrial Research and Development Advisory Committee (IRDAC) of the European Community established a Working Party on education and training issues relevant to industry. A subgroup on schools and industry identified the dominant influences on initial and adult training policy for the 1990s and beyond: (1) the need to adapt it to meet the rapidly changing requirements of industry; (2) the short supply of young people; and (3) negative images of employment or of industry. The subgroup also identified the crucial role of schools in developing the necessary positive attitudes toward continuing training and reasons for industry involvement in school/industry links. IRDAC determined five important issues with regard to the school/industry interface: (1) challenges for education and training; (2) getting in touch with young people; (3) a question of image; (4) mobility between education and training tracks; and (4) the status and management of the teaching profession. Analysis of these issues led IRDAC to develop three main objectives: raising the overall level of technological literacy, preparing for and understanding the world of work, and encouraging the pursuit of scientific and technical careers. To achieve these objectives, IRDAC recommended a set of practical actions focusing on teacher awareness and training, the interface between schools and industry, and getting in touch with young people. (Five examples of school/industry practices policies considered for the report are appended.) (YLB)