The United States is currently experiencing a decline of skilled talent in the workforce, with healthcare occupations suffering the most due to a loss in workforce talent and the onset of an aging population. This talent shortage is attributed to a "skills gap." The current case study used qualitative methodology to examine the expansion…

Community and technical colleges serve a vital function in STEM education by training workers for medium- and high-skilled technical careers and providing employers the labor necessary to operate and maintain thriving business ventures. A curriculum developed with the elements of a systems-based approach results in a program more relevant to the…

The demand for improved workplace skills in the U.S. is rapidly rising, and U.S. industries, employees, and educational systems are struggling to respond. This paper describes the Skills Advantage program, an effort led by employers and facilitated by Kirkwood Community College to address regional employment needs. This work-ready certificate…

The Workforce Training and Economic Development (WTED) Fund was established in 2003 as part of the Grow Iowa Values Fund and is currently funded through the Iowa Skilled Worker and Job Creation Fund. This fund has become an important source of financing for community college new program innovation, development, and capacity building, particularly…

The purpose of this study was to better understand the perceptions of employers and graduates regarding the applied baccalaureate degree when conferred by community colleges. By better understanding the perceptions of employers and graduates, community colleges considering offering applied baccalaureate degrees will have some context within which…

Educational, industry, and state leaders worked together to design a program to meet the training needs of Nebraska's fast-growing ethanol industry. The statewide initiative, guided by Northeast Community College and funded through the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants program, is developing dual-credit, short-term training that…

Researchers asked 17 participants in a job-training program to describe their personal struggles following an economic restructuring. Examined through a critical theoretical lens, findings indicate that the learners enrolled in the program to reclaim security, dignity, meaningful work, and caring relationships. Program planners at community…

The Illinois Community College Board provided more than $3.3 million to community colleges during fiscal year 2009 to support local workforce and economic development services through their Business and Industry Centers. The workforce development activities conducted under this grant include customized job training on campus or on-site at a…

Identifies issues to be considered in deciding whether a community college should become involved in industrial training (e.g., local needs and attitudes, faculty attitudes, and personnel implications). Suggests an organizational model for delivering customized job training. Identifies program benefits and potential problems. (DMM)

Discusses the benefits of college/industry partnerships. Warns colleges to ensure that the partnerships make good business sense; i.e., that they supplement the college's current programs and expertise or put the institution in a new market position. Identifies criteria for choosing the right business partners. (DMM)

Identifies socioeconomic trends affecting education and training, arguing that community colleges should be more involved in developing human resources. Discusses five phases in establishing customized training programs for industry: needs assessment, coalition building, model building/development, implementation, and evaluation. (DMM)

A study was conducted to determine the need for new occupational programs in the area served by the Community College of Decatur and to assess the need for existing and proposed occupational programs. Over a 5-month period, questionnaires were mailed to selected representatives from businesses, industries, personal and public services, and health…

This program development guide outlines the procedures for replicating the B-WEST (Building Workers Entering Skilled Trades) program, a two-term professional certificate program designed to prepare women for skilled jobs in the traditionally male-dominated electrical, mechanical, and construction trades. The components and major activities of the…

This booklet outlines the process used by Elgin Community College to custom design training for business and industry. The implementation of the process, beginning with the initial request for training, is addressed rather than how the service is marketed. The booklet is divided into the following six sections: introduction, Illinois State Board…

This plan for the introduction of high technology instructional programs at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College was designed to help the college meet the staffing needs of local companies for technicians trained in high technology fields. After an introductory discussion of the changing nature of the labor market and its impact on college…