Workforce Council
April 7, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Room 112, Training and Development Center
Minutes
Present: Jimmy Adams, Elizabeth Chapman, Sarah David, Robin Garret,
Becky Gustamante, Debra Harper, Ted Lewis, Katherine Miller, Susanne Thaler, Abdul Tamimi, Christina Todd
Guest: Eileen Booher
•a. Marketable Skills Awards
Eileen Booher, LSC-CyFair, presented information regarding Marketable Skills Achievement Awards. As much background work is necessary, proposed research would start this summer and then ultimately, curriculum teams and advisory committees would be involved. Advantages are listed below:
- Reported completers in programs, especially programs where students are leaving to obtain good jobs after only a few courses.
- A greater share of reduced Perkins funds.
- Promoting student success; receiving a certificate early in program can be used as a motivation to continue program.
- TSI-waived (Texas Student Incentive) if THECB criteria are met.
- Development allowable activity in Perkins Basic, and Lone Star College CyFair has funds available for 2007-2008 to fund summer faculty to research viable awards.
Action Items:
- Eileen will send task inventory for researchers as well as timeline to Susanne.
- Members will send Susanne names of programs to be considered.
- Katherine Miller will provide information regarding Work Keys.
- Jimmy Adams and Sarah David will present database models for student tracking at a future meeting.
•b. Marketing Update
Susanne gave a brief marketing update regarding planned "Open Doors" media outreach.
Action Item:
- Susanne will contact Steve for link to media items to forward to members.
•c. New Program Development
- a. Review Revised Framework
- Susanne presented information regarding decision by EC as to new program funding and how it will be implemented: (1) new program requests (2) prioritization (3) funds written into budget in May/June timeframe.
- Option for programs with high costs to be supported for second year.
Action item:
- Susanne will assemble requests from colleges for 2008-2009 new program development funding and present for discussion during May Workforce Council meeting.
- b. New Programs - Review and Discussion
- Sheet Metal Working - After thorough investigation, this will not be pursued due to career path involving on-the-job and/or union training.
- Welding - Kingwood - Robin Garrett has been working with MC to establish welding program with New Caney High School. After discussion, determination was made to involve all colleges offering welding to determine the best course of action regarding CE/credit, alignment with credit, articulation, etc.
Action Item:
- Robin will contact college representatives: Allen Rice and Russell McDonald (NH), Richard Gilbert and Janet Taber (CF), Roberto Rodriguez and Linda Head (MC).
- Medical Laboratory Technology
Action Item:
- Before researching further, Susanne will contact Steve Kolar (NH).
- Machining AAS - Business leadership component (soft skills) was discussed as enhancement to program.
Action Item:
- Susanne will survey employers as to preference and need.
- Carpentry/Pipefitting - Not a viable opportunity at this time.
- Drilling Technician - As an FYI to other members: North Harris has been working with PETEX (oil and gas related) to develop a train-the-trainer program. There is a meeting scheduled April 23 for further discussion.
Action Item:
- Susanne will advise Jimmy of meeting date.
- Mechatronics - This is an emerging field that is not industry focused. TSTC Harlingen currently has program.
Action Item:
- Susanne will research companies with opportunities.
- Healthcare Informatics - This could possibly be a contract training opportunity, but due to proprietary software and customization of various healthcare users, there is no need for further development.
- Sustainability Program - To be researched in the future in conjunction with "green" opportunities as emerging fields.