A study examined the attitudes of Oregon employers toward vocational education and employment and training programs in the state. During the study, researchers conducted interviews with representatives of the 10 largest companies in Oregon and mailed surveys to a random sample of approximately 1,500 employers as well as to 140 employers who were nominated by community colleges throughout the state as employing the largest number of vocational education completers. The majority of those employers interviewed were most satisfied with new employees who had vocational training from community colleges and apprenticeship training. These same employers were less satisfied with employees who had vocational training from high schools and private vocational schools. Included among the common problems of new employees that were mentioned by the employers were weaknesses in the basic skills, poor work habits, and a lack of understanding of the world of business. The employers felt that vocational students need additional training in computer literacy, preparation for lifelong learning, basic economics, and time management. A third of those employers surveyed stated that their companies are currently providing vocational students with work experience, and at least 20 percent were serving on advisory committees and recommending what to teach in vocational courses. (MN)