Delco Helping Solve Workforce Shortage with Business Partnerships and Career Pipelines
The nation's manufacturing and construction businesses face numerous challenges of a changing economy. Thousands of baby boomer retirements and a skilled labor shortage, particularly in manufacturing, were among the topics discussed by
Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black, who was invited to testify on August 6 before the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee on "Connecting Workers to Real Jobs." Like all PA community colleges, Delaware County Community College is partnering with business to fill high-skilled positions open across the state and grow the Commonwealth's economy.
One of the first steps is to reframe these jobs to students and parents as highly technical, wage-sustaining jobs with career advancement and benefits. Another solution is to introduce students to these careers through multiple pipelines. For instance, high school students have the opportunity to take technical courses and earn up to 29 college course credits before graduation, with the option to continue at DCCC and transfer to four-year institution, or use their industry credentials to enter their chosen field.
The college features customized training for the healthcare, business, science, and hospitality professions and manufacturing and construction trades.
Dr. Gates Black testified before PA House Members Sturla, Krueger-Braneky, Kinsey, Miller and others on the college's partnerships with local businesses to close the workforce gap. Dr. Gates Black noted nearly 80 percent of manufacturers are unable to find qualified candidates to fill positions within their industry. Dr. Gates Black testified at the request of Representative Leanne Krueger-Braneky; joining her were Karen Kozachyn, dean of the College's Workforce Development and Community Education division, and Jim DiNunzio, executive vice president of Business Development for Eastern Controls, Inc., which partners with the College to provide training for process control operators.
RACC Recognized Nationally for Supporting Latino Student Success
Reading Area Community College
is among five community colleges named as national finalists for award recognizing work to advance student success among Latino students.
Excelencia
In Education is focused on improving college completion rates for Latino students in higher education. As the fastest growing minority group in the US, Latinos are entering higher education at accelerated rates. RACC's English as Second Language (ESL) curriculum has been identified as exceptional in accelerating Latino student success: the program has resulted in a 13 percent increase in completion among Latinos in reading and writing courses since 2012.
NCC Opening State-of-the-Art Nursing Simulation Laboratory on Monroe Campus
Nursing students earning a two-year associate degree won't have to leave
Northampton Community College
's Monroe Campus to complete the program. NCC's highly respected program is helping fill shortages of registered nurses in applied science with a new state-of-the-art simulation laboratory. The anticipated 16% growth of the industry nationally and new hospitals being built within the region, means the program is currently at capacity for the fall 2018 semester and new students won't be accepted until fall 2019. The good news is: students who do enter the program can continue closer to home, without having to attend the final portion of the program at the Bethlehem campus.
CCP and Goldman Sachs Makeover Creates New Beginning for Graduates and Neighborhood Building
The
10,000 Small Businesses collaboration between Goldman Sachs, the City of Philadelphia, Shift Capital LLC, and the
Community College of Philadelphia
is revitalizing former factory buildings and sparking new business opportunities for graduates. The 10,000 Small Businesses program, which began at CCP in 2013, helps entrepreneurs create jobs and rehabilitate struggling neighborhoods. Students can learn to create an initial business plan, strategies for growing an established small business, and a variety of business support services. Graduates also give back to the program through fundraising for scholarships for qualifying Philadelphia high school students to attend college tuition-free. CCP President Dr. Guy Generals noted the goal is to create sustainable employment to support the businesses. Candidates who live within the Greater Philadelphia region are considered for the program throughout the year.
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