Two US government acts are actively applied in high school technology and vocational centers. The nine aspects provide a frame for preparing students for careers.

All Aspects of the Industry is a document that provides high school students with guidelines for success in their chosen career path. These nine aspects highlight interdisciplinary skills that are expected in most career fields. Though they are typically used in technology and vocational courses, these aspects provide a framework of understanding that all students can benefit from learning.

The AAI evolved from the Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act. Both acts emphasize experiential learning and an understanding of all areas of an industry a student is interested in pursuing as a career choice. These desired employability qualities are summarized into nine aspects, the first eight of which are the originally identified aspects and the ninth emphasized by employers. The intention is to provide a framework through with to incorporate many different concepts and skills; thus providing a better understanding of how to be successful in a chosen career.

Planning

Planning is about how an organization plans and is planned. It encompasses concepts such as public and private ownership. Goals of the industry can be investigated in relationship to concepts such as economic, political and social contexts. Time frames for meeting these goals are also included in planning.

Management

Management provides a structure and process to effectively manage the goals and operations of the organization. Methods to effectively utilize staff, facilities, money, equipment and materials and how to involve employees in the decisions are investigated.

Finance

Finance is not limited to tracking money and making financial decisions. This aspect also includes how to acquire capital to start or continue operations of the company.

Technical and Production Skills

Technical and Production Skills are context specific. These will vary amongst different industries, but always focus on specific skills for necessary technology and production techniques.

Underlying Principles of Technology

Also a context specific aspect, Underlying Principles of Technology depends on the technological systems used within the specific industry. This aspect specifically integrates the mathematical, scientific, social and economic principles on which the technologies are based.

Labor Issues

Labor Issues specifically addresses the rights and responsibilities of employees. This includes labor unions for specific industries as well as benefits, wages and working conditions.

Community Issues

Community Issues involves how the industry impacts the surrounding or world-wide community and how that community impacts the industry.

Health, Safety and Environmental Issues

This aspect is concerned with the laws and practices that affect employees, communities and the environment. It promotes investigation of the health and safety concerns, explores the appropriate regulatory agencies and examines the impact on the environment.

Personal Work Habits

Personal Work Habits is not always included in AAI but has been stressed by employers as a crucial element for success. It involves the non-technical skills and characteristics, such as work ethic, that are expected in an employee.

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