Off-campus UNL users: To download campus access dissertations, please use the following link to log into our proxy server with your NU ID and password. When you are done browsing please remember to return to this page and log out.
Non-UNL users: Please talk to your librarian about requesting this dissertation through interlibrary loan.
A SURVEY OF SELECTED METROPOLITAN OMAHA MANUFACTURERS TO DETERMINE CHARACTERISTICS, TRAITS, AND STANDARDS DESIRED OF ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYEES IN INDUSTRIAL-TYPE OCCUPATIONS
Abstract
The Problem. The primary purpose of this study was to ascertain the opinions of industrial-type employers concerning the characteristics, traits, and standards desired of entry-level employees in industrial-type occupations. The second major purpose of this investigation was to determine the educational implications of the needs and expectations expressed by selected industrial employers in the Omaha Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA). Procedures. A comprehensive review of the literature and related research was undertaken. Interviews with selected vocational educators and representatives of manufacturing firms were conducted. From a total population of 673 manufacturers in the Omaha SMSA, a random sample of 209 firms was selected. A questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered to the sample population. The data obtained from the questionnaire were tabulated, verified for accuracy, analyzed, and reported as raw scores, mean scores, and percentages. Summary of Major Findings. (1)Eighty-two percent of the respondents indicated that preferred high school graduates as entry-level employees. (2)Ninety-seven percent of the employers indicated that neatness and accuracy were important in completing the job application form. (3)Ninety-seven percent of the employers agreed that the personal interview was considered critical in deciding whether or not to hire. (4)Seventy-five percent of the respondents indicated that applicants who possess broad trade and industrial preparation, rather than single skill preparation, were considered better candidates for entry-level jobs. (5)Eighty percent of the employers agreed that high school on-the-job training was desirable for those applying for an entry-level job. (6)Ninety-seven percent of the employers agreed that in-plant, on-the-job training was the most common method used to train entry-level, industrial-type employees. (7)Ninety-three percent of the respondents indicated that a positive work ethic was more important than a previously acquired skill. (8)Eighty-two percent of the employers reported that reference information from the prospective employee's previous employer was more desirable than personal recommendations from school personnel. (9)Ninety-two percent of the respondents indicated they desired reference information from the prospective employee's previous employer. (10)Over ninety percent of the respondents reported that a positive work ethic, regular job attendance, being on time, ability to get along with fellow workers, dependability, and honesty, were highly desirable traits. Conclusions and Recommendatons. (1)Youth who plan to work in industrial-type jobs can increase their chances of becoming employed by remaining in school and completing their high school education. (2)The prospective entry-level employees can increase their chances for employment if they would become proficient in completing job application forms and learn how to interview effectively. (3)High school industrial education experiences would be beneficial in developing the skills needed to operate industrial machines and to use basic hand tools. (4)High school students would benefit from expanding their instructional program to include several skill areas instead of concentrating on one specific skill. (5)Prospective entry-level employees would increase their chances for securing a job if they had experience in a high school cooperative on-the-job training program. (6)Students who plan to work in industrial-type jobs could increase their chances of becoming successful employees if they recognized the importance of the personal traits identified in number ten of the findings, and conscientiously worked to improve themselves in these matters. (7)The schools should examine the findings of this study to determine the adequacy of their current vocational offerings and counseling services.
Subject Area
Vocational education
Recommended Citation
LARSON, C. VICTOR, "A SURVEY OF SELECTED METROPOLITAN OMAHA MANUFACTURERS TO DETERMINE CHARACTERISTICS, TRAITS, AND STANDARDS DESIRED OF ENTRY-LEVEL EMPLOYEES IN INDUSTRIAL-TYPE OCCUPATIONS" (1981). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8120165.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8120165