This document reports the policy statement of the President of the University of the State of New York regarding vocational education in the five largest cities in the state. The statement provides background on how changes in the economy and the organization of work will affect the skills needed by the work force of the future. It also indicates how the educational system is working with business and labor to address this issue, and how vocational education is changing to meet the needs of business and industry. The report also points out the Regents' concern for ensuring that students in the large cities of New York State have access to vocational education programs by focusing on three major areas: student demand for services, capacity of the vocational education delivery system to meet this demand, and the role of business and labor in providing advice and support. Some of the initiatives that are being taken to meet the challenges of the future are outlined: (1) new occupational education programs designed to provide students with skills they will need; (2) development of a student study plan and use of career information; (3) expanding the capacity of the vocational education system in the five large cities; (4) identification of alternatives for best uses of facilities; and (5) development of industry-specific training programs. Six tables provide secondary and postsecondary data on occupational education enrollment. (KC)