Workforce Council
February 4, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Training and Development Center-Room 112
Minutes
Present: Jimmy Adams, Elizabeth Chapman, Bill Coppola, Debra Harper, Linda Head, Julie Leidig, Ted Lewis, Katherine Miller, Judy Murray, Terry Sawma, Deana Sheppard, Susanne Thaler, Abdul Tamimi, Christina Todd
Guests: Rand Key, Steve Lestarjette
Susanne opened the meeting introducing guests, Dr. Rand Key, and new attendees, Debra Harper and Deana Sheppard.
- Introduction of Dr. Rand Key
Dr. Key gave a brief overview of his background and then proceeded to share information regarding the search for the associate vice chancellor workforce development. The position is currently open and approximately 60 applications have been received. Of those, 50 met desired qualifications from which four or five of the strongest candidates will be chosen to interview. A group including members of the Workforce Council will be chosen to meet the selected candidates.
Dr. Key noted that he had met several council members at other events, had toured some of the campuses and was impressed overall with the facilities. He is looking forward to seeing the remaining campuses as well.
He indicated that the workforce/corporate training/economic development "piece of the puzzle" was being reviewed. He also indicated that he would like to attend council meetings when his schedule allows.
- Marketing Overview - Steve Lestarjette
Steve reported that an Interim Marketing Plan has been approved by the Executive Council. This plan was not developed for the college level but with more of an "umbrella/centralized/collaborative" focus not unique to any college. Subcommittees will make recommendations and councils will be asked for input to close any gaps.
Steve also presented an overview of the Report of the Contract Training Marketing Subcommittee. Slides from this presentation follow with comments from council
members noted:
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Slide 4 | | Members felt that it was most important to develop high-end marketing materials for contract training. |
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Slide 8 | | There was some disagreement regarding single CE schedule as some felt that the local identity of the college would be lost, and that it would not be as user-friendly. |
Slide 9 | | Clarification needs to be made as to interpretation of Workforce Excellence vs. Corporate Training and Development Center. |
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Slide 11 | | Suggested title was business training consultant. |
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- Feasibility Studies Follow-up
- New/Expansion Programs 2007-2008 - Funding request approval by Executive Council should be finalized in the next few weeks.
- Medical Staff Services - Pending final approval. Decision was made to pilot as centralized, open enrollment seminar perhaps sponsored by the colleges on a rotating basis. Develop curriculum and market program.
Action Item: Susanne will research curriculum from existing programs.
- Assisted Living Facilities Management - Pending final approval. Decision was made to pilot as centralized, open enrollment seminar perhaps sponsored by the colleges on a rotating basis. Curriculum now needs to be developed and the program marketed. MC, NHC, and TC interested in offering this CE course.
- Diesel Mechanics - Pending final approval for NHC and MC spring 09; CFC fall 09.
- Corrosion Technology - Pending final approval for CFC in spring 09.
- Echocardiography - Pending final approval for CFC in spring 09.
- New Feasibility Studies
- Sheet Metal Workers - Due to the union lock for training, this does not appear to be viable; however, the union does have some interest in partnering with school districts. Action Item: Susanne will investigate further.
- Healthcare Informatics - Susanne is trying to determine where community college fits as it is not the technical side which requires a four-year degree; perhaps the user side for nurses and clinicians in seminar format.
Action Item: Susanne will contact Jim Simpson at Florida Community College, Jacksonville, and investigate further.
- Machining Technology - Business management or supervisory focus may help retain students since this affects the companies succession planning and companies may be more willing to keep sending their employees to school for an AAS. University of Houston may have model.
Action Item: Susanne will investigate further.
- Medical Lab Technician - North Harris requested recently, and Susanne will follow through with feasibility study.
- Action Items: Council members were asked to review Summary of Trends to develop new program possibilities as well as speak with faculty for new ideas.
- The WorkSource Update
- Reports for High Skills, High Growth Occupations were distributed.
- Several programs have been removed from the High Skills, High Growth Occupations Supported by Scholarships for not meeting following criteria.
- o Minimum hourly wage: $14.18+
- o Annual new job openings: 800+
- o Minimum of $,334 projected new jobs between now and 2014
- o Above average growth projection: 2.3%+
- Question was posed if it would be possible for the AVC workforce development to hold a membership position on the Workforce Board. Christina indicated that this was a county judge appointed position, and that Ray Laughter was the LSCS representative.
- Other Items
- Council members discussed the job description for the associate vice chancellor workforce development and the role of the Workforce Council in the new structure. Depending on role, how would this change the make-up of the Workforce Council? Members agreed to "wait and see" and move forward as usual until informed otherwise.
- Segmented Courses - Members discussed courses with two tracks and the impact on students to complete degree at colleges other than where the majority of the coursework was completed. TC is interested in a gaming AAS.
- Liberty County Workforce Academy - Terry Sawma gave overview of this pathway to employment through this academy for those who have not earned a high school diploma. Funded by the Texas Workforce Commission as well as economic board funds, this is a joint effort with San Jacinto, Houston Community and Lee Colleges as well as school districts. It is hopeful that this will serve as a model and like efforts can be initiated through other county organizations.
- Montgomery's Conroe Center presently has joint effort with Willis ISD for welding, HVAC, and machining and is working to develop Conroe ISD's participation in this type of program.
- Council members noted that childcare is an issue for students and should be considered a service, not revenue builder through the college child care centers.