Increasing concerns about the skill level of U.S. workers are driven by demographics, technological change, and international competition. Greater percentages of the labor force will be comprised of those groups that have traditionally faced the greatest barriers to full participation in the labor force. Rapid technological change is increasing the complexity of the workplace. The United States is part of an increasingly global marketplace. The U.S. Department of Labor launched the Apprenticeship 2000 initiative in December 1987 to determine what role the apprenticeship concept might play in raising the skill levels of workers. The initiative included public dialogue, a research program, and an analysis of relevant studies. Key findings included the following: (1) work-based learning is the most effective method of skill acquisition; (2) the current apprenticeship program can be strengthened and improved, but the system should be preserved; and (3) new training program models should be developed. Recommendations included the following: credentialing structured work-based training programs; strengthening the basic apprenticeship model; and supporting and expanding structured work-based training programs, including apprenticeship. (29-item bibliography) (CML)