University of Virginia Library

Study Suggests
Training Program

Urban local governments in Virginia
should make better use of available
manpower through training programs for
public employees, suggests a
comprehensive survey of governmental
manpower.

Only a small number of Virginia city
and urban county employees participate
in training programs, says Michael S.
Deeb, a former member of the Institute
of Government at the University, in the
current issue of Virginia Town and City.

Reporting on a survey conducted by
the institute in 1970 and published
recently by the Division of State Planning and
Community Affairs, Mr. Deeb says half of the
Virginia cities contacted replied that their
training programs were inadequate. Of 10 urban
counties polled, only two replied that their
training was adequate.

The researcher says proper training can
improve the operations of local governments in
several ways. It can contribute to employee
motivation by providing opportunities for
salary increases and advancement. It can
provide personnel with new skills in times when
acute manpower shortages exist, and it is less
expensive to train and advance employees on
the job than to hire new untrained personnel.
Training also can provide better governmental
managers and increase the prestige of
governmental employment.