A training program in a depressed area may have few enrollees unless there is some apparent prospect for better employment opportunities afterwards, and the prospect may be poor if the training is aimed solely at jobs in the local community. If there is adequate information on job opportunities for skilled jobs elsewhere, many more workers can be expected to respond.

Another problem is who will pay for the training. Local school districts are hard pressed financially and unenthusiastic about vocational training. Programs usually are expanded only when outside funds are available or local business leaders demand it. Even industrial development leaders find it hard to win local support for training unless a new industry is in sight and requests it. State governments have been taking the lead in establishing area vocational schools, but their focus is still on area job opportunities. Only the Federal government is likely to be able to take a long-run and nation-wide view and to pay for training to meet national skilled manpower needs.

If only state funds were used to pay for the vocational education, it could be argued that the state should not have to bear the cost of vocational training which would benefit employers in other states. However, if Federal funds are used, it would be entirely appropriate to train workers for jobs which could be obtained elsewhere as well as for jobs in the area of chronic unemployment. Such training would increase the tendency of workers to leave the area and find jobs in other localities.