| Abstract: | Questionnaires were sent to 13,549 graduates of four types of proprietary and nonproprietary vocational training programs in four selected metropolitan areas of the United States. Initial responses were received from 5,215 graduates, a response rate of 38.5%. The survey featured an intensive follow-up to reach and estimate the characteristics of the nonrespondent population. Substantial differences favoring nonproprietary programs were found between proprietary and nonproprietary graduates in terms of economic gains following graduation and expressed satisfaction. Nevertheless, both types of programs were found to be generally effective in producing graduates with marketable skills; post-training salaries were high enough to indicate that the training was cost effective in all except proprietary computer training programs. The results supported several recommendations regarding the necessity for uniform standards of accountability in the regulation of vocational training programs, whether they are public or private. |
