The Occupational Projection Research Project investigated employer perceptions of the entry level skills, attitudes, and values (SAVs) needed for various occupations as well as employment demands for specific occupational clusters. Using a specially developed interview form, researchers interviewed a stratified random sampling of over 100 business and industry leaders from Passaic County, New Jersey, in order to determine the qualities (SAVs) they regarded as most important in entry workers, the SAVs perceived to be the most difficult to find, and those qualities most commonly found in vocational school graduates. Many of the same qualities identified as most important in entry workers are also among those that are hardest to find in vocational program applicants (including positive work attitudes, ability to understand oral and written instructions, ability to operate job-relevant tools and equipment, pride in workmanship, initiative, and responsibility). While company size and type influenced responses, most respondents agreed that employers of the eighties will require job entrants to possess more high ranked attitudes and values in addition to basic skills. Interest was also expressed in structured, "no-nonsense" education. (Reports outlining the results of this project for urban and rural/suburban areas are available separately--see note.) (MN)