Industry's needs for students with high technology skills are increasing. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts project increases between 1980 and 1990 of 58% in the demand for computer professionals, 28% for engineers, and 24% for engineering technicians, compared with an increase of 17% for all workers. Industrial expansion and replacement of workers will produce an annual demand for 120,000 engineers (including 33,000 new openings) and 168,000 technicians (including 21,000 new openings). Graduation trends in high technology fields, however, indicate problems in filling these positions. Workforce needs have increased faster than labor supply due to poor planning and resource allocation at the college level and poor preparation of students in science and mathematics in elementary and high schools. These problems should be addressed through pressure from colleges and universities on local and state boards of education to improve math and science preparation in the schools; flexible provision of skills up-dating for adults in both credit and non-credit programs; and increased funding of high technology education at the state level. Tables showing workforce and educational trends and projections are included. (HB)