This journal was published for the first time in In the spring of 1971 – 35 years ago. Then called the Occupational Education Forum, the journal aimed to "start a new communication link for professionals in the practical arts, vocational, and technical education." The journal’s founders, led by Curtis R. Finch, Jerome T. Kapes, and Frederick G. Welch, aimed to create a venue discuss issues that are important to the field. Under a new name, Workforce Education Forum, in volume 25, the journal embarked in a new era, welcoming discussion about all education for work, including secondary education, postsecondary education, and workplace performance improvement functions.

This issue offers four articles suited to the journal’s new era. The articles represent the full scope of workforce education today. Articles address secondary education, community college, public employment programs, and industry performance improvement issues.