This handbook provides basic information on the roles, organizational issues, and program activities that will influence the effectiveness of private industry councils (PICs) set up under the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) of 1982. Intended to guide PICs on the issues involved, it should be useful to members and staff of existing PICs and others involved in the transition from Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) programs to JTPA programs. The guide addresses primarily immediate transitional issues faced by local practitioners, such as new federal and state roles; PIC/local government partnership arrangements; organization of new PICs; new roles for PICs; new linkages between PICs and the employment service, economic development agencies, educational agencies, youth agencies, and others; and initiation of programs. The handbook is organized into two parts. The first provides background information needed for local decision making in the new JTPA system, while the second part gives practical tips on setting up the new PICs, including forming the new PIC, the role of the new PIC, planning, becoming a grant recipient or program administrator, operating programs or subcontracting, developing relations with the employment service and the Work Incentive Program, and creating linkages with other agencies. Appendixes to the document contain a transition timetable and a digest of services provided by the National Alliance of Business. (KC)