Structured interviews were conducted by selected vocational education instructors at Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) to determine current and projected employment and training needs of private-sector businesses with 200 employees or less and to assess opinions of IHCC programs. Employers were asked to provide information on the number of employees, their years of prior experience, hiring plans, opportunities for women, actual and preferred educational background of new hires, types of job-entry tests, interest in and familiarity with IHCC programs, perceptions toward IHCC graduates, average length of employment, and need for in-service training. Additional questions focused specifically on data processing, secretarial/clerical, welding, diesel and auto mechanics, and drafting fields. Study findings, based on 458 interviews conducted at 266 firms, included the following: (1) 75% of the employers were "somewhat familiar" or "not familiar" with IHCC offerings; (2) 66% reported that their employees had 3 years experience or less when hired; (3) of the businesses employing IHCC graduates, 74.4% rated their training as good to excellent, and 80.5% felt IHCC trainees required less on-the-job training; and (4) 53% preferred to hire employees with postsecondary vocational training. The study report discusses outcomes and limitations and offers recommendations for implementing similar studies. The survey instrument, study time tables, and other related material are appended. (KL)