In 1982, a study was conducted to obtain information from businesses, industries, and agencies in Walworth County that would assist Gateway Technical Institute (GTI) in providing programs and services to meet employers' manpower needs. Surveys were administered to 133 businesses and industries, requesting information on the firms' characteristics, special high technology training needs, plans for expansion, training provided on-site, interest in cooperative training programs with GTI, and evaluation of GTI-trained personnel. Study findings, based on a 78% response rate, included: (1) 33% of the employers planned to expand their production, facilities, or workforce within the next five years, while 49% planned no expansion; (2) to encourage employers to improve their skills, 33% offered tuition reimbursement, 23% provided in-house courses, and 14% arranged for release time; (3) 61% preferred on-the-job training for their employees, while 21% preferred in-service seminars; (4) 47% of the firms said they would consider implementing supervisory training/development programs with GTI assistance; (5) 73% did not contact the GTI Placement Office when they had job openings; and (6) 34% felt that publicity concerning GTI program offerings should be increased, 32% indicated that more short-term programs should be offered, and 29% felt that outreach sites should be used more extensively as ways of improving GTI's role in employee preparation. Recommendations and the questionnaire are included. (DAB)