Several factors, including decentralized organization and local autonomy, have resulted in the United States having 27 different training and education programs to meet national needs and functions of the central government; however, the public schools are the chief source of such formal job training. Vocational education is an integrated part of state and local programs but has been partially financed federally since the enactment of the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917. The states each must submit a state plan to the U.S. Commissioner of Education outlining their vocational education programs. Apprenticeship programs are operated voluntarily by firms or trade unions in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training. A wide variety of on-the-job training is available through many types of employers and is generally considered the most effective type of company training. Technical education is often offered at post-secondary technical institutes or junior colleges. Some of these schools date back over 100 years and many are proprietary in nature. Since 1960, training has come to be viewed as means of overcoming social and economic problems and is used to encourage economic development. Various legislation is discussed and national enrollment data are presented in tabular form. (EM)