JCCI: Recession Recovery & Beyond study - 2/16/2011 Written responses from Dr. Chuck Hall 1. Building an educated workforce: In your opinion, what can be done to increase the number of people (18 to 35) in Northeast Florida who earn a postsecondary degree?
First of all, there must be jobs for people to move into. Having an open job market will encourage people to want training and then apply for those jobs. With an expanded outlook for our economy, jobs will appear and grow. In the meantime, training and upgrading of skills must happen so prospective employees are ready when the opportunities present themselves to the work force. 2. Work and Workforce development: How can postsecondary institutions, businesses, government, and economic development organizations work together proactively to attract high-wage paying businesses and at the same time make sure people are being educated to fill those positions? Are there any such formal partnerships in Northeast Florida?
We must be flexible and be sure we understand the wants and needs of the business, to provide the training to students and returning workers to meet those wants and needs. The days of colleges saying “Well, here is what we do, take it or leave it” are over and customer service is most important to businesses and colleges providing the training. There are many successful formal partnerships between the college and businesses in Northeast Florida. 3. Building an entrepreneurial base: Is there a role for postsecondary education institutions in training entrepreneurs and supporting small businesses?
There are a variety of opportunities for training at many levels throughout the State of Florida. In addition to the regular curriculum in Florida for college transfer and occupational students, there are grants to create new jobs and upgrade skills. There are monies at the state level to support the state-wide Banner program from Construction to Bio-tech to Water Resources that provide training and help develop jobs and create a demand for a stronger workforce. 4. Quality of students: In your opinion, what is the quality of the high school students coming into your institution? How can post- and secondary education institutions work together to address any shortfalls?
The high schools have begun the academy approach to learning and with that the banner centers are focusing the student on specific skills and training. – Leaving high schools, the students transfer to the college offering the next step of that training and then go into the workforce. In the best of situations high schools and colleges are forming a seamless transfer of student/worker to prepare them for the next level of preparation to move into the workforce. 5. Bolstering the education and workforce pipeline: In order to build an educated and credentialed workforce for tomorrow, what should be the relationship between postsecondary education institutions and high schools today? Where are the gaps locally? Are you aware of any best practices?
The relationship between high school and college is getting stronger because both know they need each other to develop a better prepared student. The use of academies in high school, on the job training and internships in the college help businesses have a stronger and better prepared worker. FGC is working with a number of high schools throughout Florida in logistics, water resources, etc… The final product is a seamless transfer program. Also, college to college support and training is helping to prepare better workers.