Workforce Council
May 5, 2008
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Training and Development Center-Room 112
Minutes
Present: Jimmy Adams, Cher Brock, Sarah David, Jo Fey, Robin Garrett, Debra Harper, Julie Leidig, Katherine Miller, Judy Murray, Susanne Thaler, Christina Todd
- Marketable Skills Awards
The following were deemed worthy of further investigation: welding, machining, GIS, phlebotomy/CNA/EKG tech combination, real estate inspector, automotive, HVAC, IT support, CNA/medication aide combination, paralegal, nail tech, CDA, leadership management/supervisory management, paraprofessional, industrial maintenance, hazardous materials (OSHA), oil and gas safety, water (pools and spas)/air quality, diversity, hospitality, apartment maintenance, commercial/housing property managers.
Next steps will include developing a list, comparing selections with established programs, and connecting with colleges to determine interest and structure.
- New Program Feasibility Study - Medical Laboratory Tech
Susanne presented findings to the council. She indicated that there were two levels of employment, medical lab tech and medical technologist, and that it was difficult to define need as survey responses varied from great need to no need as degreed medical technologist were preferred. The scope of this career path could be changing due to retirements; however, the responses on the employer survey had such variation that it is difficult to tell what the future of this profession holds.
Also noted was due to the expense of equipment, $1-$3 million, partnerships would be necessary. Tomball is currently meeting with Tomball Regional Medical Center to build a building together (if the bond were to pass), and they will approach the hospital on this topic in future discussions. Partnering with Houston Northwest was also a possibility through North Harris, but the lab director has a bias toward medical technologists.
Susanne was asked to provide more clarity as to demand/placement and necessity of certification for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement for lab work.
- New Programs
- Sustainability - As the concept of green is emerging in numerous and varying fields, determination needs to be made as to what the focus should be; perhaps starting with green building program through CE. Tomball has the largest distributor of solar panels in the country in its service area, so exploration of an energy related program would be appropriate as well.
- Business/Emerging Leader - Development could possible be through supervisory MSA.
- Mechatronics - CyFair has a robot and the pathway could be through industrial maintenance. Depending on reception, could also be used for diesel technology. As this would require a sizeable investment, perhaps it could be repackaged using a system-wide approach. Drilling Technology - North Harris was approached by PETEX regarding standardized training for oil and gas operations and service personnel. This appears to be a national movement endorsed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors. The next step will be to shape curriculum using information gathered during various meetings with PETEX and others in the oil and gas industry. Possible contacts for additional information areKarla Leach or Lovelyn Jeans, former employees.
- New Program Development Requests 08-09
Budget document was reviewed, and additional requests should be forwarded to Susanne for submission to EC.
- Other
- Securing equipment via auction was discussed. Susanne will investigate further.
- Next Month
-WorkKeys (Katherine)
-Student tracking concept (Jimmy)
-College Scope, personality/occupation evaluation (Sarah)
- Next meeting date is June 1, but this is subject to change due to the arrival of
Dr. Solis. The council will be advised.