2018年-ISM5N8~U

Models of Success Summary

Core Content

This document presents case studies from the Skills for America's Future initiative, highlighting successful partnerships between community colleges, businesses, and students. These partnerships aim to bridge the skills gap by providing educational and training opportunities that benefit all parties involved. The focus is on workforce development, education, and career readiness programs that support long-term employment and advancement.

Key Models of Success

1. Bison Gear & Engineering Corp.

• Overview: A St. Charles, IL-based company that fosters a culture of continuous learning and educational attainment among its employees.
• Programs:
  • Skilled Workforce Initiative: Offers scholarships and training to new and incumbent workers.
  • MSSC "Fast Track" Program: Employees earn the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and then progress to Certified Production Technician (CPT) status, which is a prerequisite for the MSSC program.
  • G.E.A.R. Program: Tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing higher degrees.
  • Bullock Family Bison Cares Scholarship: Supports the children of employees who wish to attend community colleges.
• Partnerships: Collaborates with 14 post-secondary educational institutions, including five community colleges.
• Impact:
  • Over 1/3 of employees are engaged in continuing education.
  • Employees receive an average of 7.2 hours of on-the-job training per year.
  • The program helps students and employees gain exposure to manufacturing careers and industry-recognized credentials.

2. Gap Inc. for Community Colleges

• Overview: A workforce preparedness program that helps community college students gain skills for entry-level retail management and career advancement.
• Programs:
  • Offers workshops on career objectives, resume writing, communication, and more.
  • Provides internships and mock interviews with store managers and industry leaders.
  • Includes a 10-week Field Internship Training (FIT) program that can lead to management roles.
• Partnerships: Works with 25+ community colleges across 25 markets.
• Impact:
  • 5,500 students trained.
  • $280,000 in scholarships awarded.
  • 25,000+ students hired by Gap Inc. and its brands.
  • Partners with colleges to align training with industry needs.

3. IBM P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School)

• Overview: An education model that integrates high school, college, and workplace learning.
• Programs:
  • Students earn a high school diploma and a two-year postsecondary degree in STEM fields.
  • Each student is paired with an IBM mentor and participates in internships and workplace visits.
  • Designed to be accessible to all students, with no admission tests or grades.
• Partnerships: A triad partnership between school districts, higher education institutions, and industry.
• Impact:
  • Launched in 2011, now replicated in 40 schools with 70 industry partners.
  • P-TECH graduates are prioritized for jobs with industry partners.
  • Students from P-TECH Brooklyn earned their degrees in just four years, two years ahead of schedule.

4. Luminant Power Track Program

• Overview: A program that trains students for entry-level positions in power plant operations.
• Programs:
  • Provides technical, lean manufacturing, and leadership training.
  • Offers a two-year associate degree in Power Plant Technology or an Associate in Applied Science.
  • Includes a paid summer internship at a Luminant power plant.
• Partnerships: Collaborates with Tyler Junior College and the Tyler Economic Development Council.
• Impact:
  • 70% of graduates progress into apprenticeships or receive promotions within a year.
  • Luminant Academy, a 24,000-square-foot facility, offers specialized training and simulators.
  • Program has led to a 59% increase in employee training since its implementation.

5. McDonald's English Under the Arches™

• Overview: An English language learning program for McDonald's restaurant employees.
• Programs:
  • Offers systematic language courses to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
  • Classes are conducted during paid work time.
  • Helps employees become more confident in customer and staff communication.
• Partnerships: Designed to support internal workforce development.
• Impact:
  • Over 3,300 participants since 2008.
  • 84% of students progress 1 or more language levels.
  • Employee retention rates: 88% after one year, 78% after two, and 70% after three to four years.

Main Viewpoints

• Effective Partnerships: The success of these programs is rooted in strong partnerships between employers, community colleges, and industry associations.
• Workforce Development: These programs aim to create a skilled workforce by aligning education and training with industry needs.
• Career Readiness: Students and employees are prepared for both entry-level and long-term career advancement through structured learning and mentorship.
• Incentives and Support: Scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and on-the-job training are key tools used to encourage educational attainment and workforce participation.

Key Information

• Skills for America's Future (SAF): A non-partisan, employer-led initiative of the Aspen Institute that fosters partnerships to close the skills gap.
• Program Objectives: To provide students and employees with the skills, credentials, and opportunities needed for good jobs and career growth.
• Partnership Structures:
  • Triad models (school, college, industry).
  • Curriculum co-development between businesses and educational institutions.
  • Direct engagement with students through mentorship and internships.
• Long-term Benefits:
  • Improved employee retention and advancement.
  • Enhanced educational outcomes for students.
  • Stronger community and industry ties through shared goals and resources.

Conclusion

These models of success demonstrate the value of collaboration between community colleges, businesses, and industry leaders. By aligning educational programs with workforce needs, they create pathways for students and employees to gain the skills and credentials necessary for long-term career success. The initiatives also highlight the importance of mentorship, financial support, and real-world learning experiences in preparing the next generation of workers for the evolving job market.