Adoption and implementation of advanced concepts in structuring and using a local advisory council and craft committees can result in significantly improved vocational education programs. The organizational structure of a vocational-technical school advisory council should be a vehicle that facilitates accomplishment of its prime function--to advise the board and administration concerning the general philosophy, objectives, and program needs of the school. The value and use of an advisory council can vary widely, depending upon how much the administration and board genuinely seek community involvement in identifying and improving secondary and adult training. Advice can be as little as an educated opinion from a small cross-section of the community appointed to a legally required council; but it also can be a comprehensive plan--supported by meaningful research--carried out by a much larger and greatly involved council that uses an executive committee approach. An example of an active and successful advisory council is that of the Erie County (Pennsylvania) Technical School and the Regional Occupation Skill Center for Adult Training, which has had a number of organizational changes to better serve its schools by conductinq skill needs assessments and by raising $700,000 to build the Center. Organizing an effective advisory council requires the following steps: (1) design a structure that will best facilitate the function of the council and craft committees to assist the school board and administration in planning; (2) modify the structure when needs and activities change; (3) seek out the best qualified persons to serve on the council; and (4) use work planning (management by objectives). (KC)