This study examined the perceptions of community employers as to the skill levels of graduates from Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs. This study also examined the perceptions of former students of CTE programs. The skill level is the skills that the job market deem necessary to be successful in a particular industry. This study also determined if the skills being taught in secondary schools meet the needs of community employers. Data were collected from several sources. Quantitative data were collected in the form of questionnaires distributed to 496 recent completers of CTE programs in Chester County School District and 247 employers in Chester County. The researcher had a goal of a 10-15% return rate. Qualitative data were collected via open-ended questions and one-on-one interviews. The qualitative and quantitative data were used to determine the needs of the local employers and to gain the perceptions of recent graduates and local employers as they pertain to the preparedness of new entrants into the workforce. Historical data in the form of school performance data, individual student data, and Perkins Performance Indicators were utilized to examine the performance of the CTE program in Chester County School District. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]