During 1981-82, a study was conducted by personnel in Occupational Education at North Carolina State University to determine the elements that affect an institution's ability to respond to the training needs of industry. Fifteen community/technical colleges, representing 43 percent of the total enrollees in the system, and 30 major industries in North Carolina provided data through structured interviews. A literature review and an advisory group also provided input for the study. Nineteen elements were identified as being of importance to college responsiveness by both colleges and industry representatives. The top six elements identified referred specifically to college commitment, policy and/or activities, which included: (1) reliability of the institution (to do what was promised); (2) strong personal commitment of the college president to industry training; (3) high quality of the instruction provided; (4) quick response and follow through by the institution; (5) tailoring of courses to meet specific industry needs; and (6) flexibility of the institution to meet the unusual needs of industry. A series of conceptual models was created to explain the situation and provide a means for institutions to improve in responsiveness. Recommendations were made to encourage and enhance the institutions' abilities to respond to industry needs for training. (KC)