The Washington State Job Skills Program (JSP) was established by the legislature in 1983 as an economic development incentive to provide customized, quick-start training to meet the employment needs of new or expanding businesses in the state. Funds are granted to public and private educational institutions to train people for new jobs, prepare employees for position upgrades that result in new vacancies, or retrain existing employees when necessary to preserve their jobs. Private business or industry is then required to contribute a match--in cash or in kind--at least equal to the JSP training grant awarded. During the 1985-87 biennium, 43 projects were funded, and more than 3,200 people were trained. Much of Washington business and industry now has an increased understanding of the educational system--and vice versa--thanks to participation in JSP projects. More than 90 percent of the persons who enrolled in the program completed their training, and 97 percent of completers were placed in private sector positions and are now economically self-sufficient. Besides the economic development and job placement benefits, JSP has promoted increased interagency coordination, industry-education partnerships, and expansion and updating of vocational education curricula. (KC)