ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM A MODEL OF INNOVATION & COLLABORATION.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

A MODEL OF INNOVATION & COLLABORATION

THE VISION

Rep. Hubert price, Jr. Convinced the state legislature to support a pilot project at OCC to train welfare recipients in high skill areas

STATE APPROPRIATIONS FOR TRAINING

95-96: $100,000 96-97: $150,000 97-98: $12,500,000

PROGRAM GOALS

Gain full-time employment in high paying jobs Total self-sufficiency Pursue continuing education Skilled workforce Teaching companies about living wages &

barriers to work Enrich the college curriculum

KEY COMPONENTS TO THE MODEL

Career opportunities Industry partnerships Community task force

Criteria for CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Entry level wage of $20,000 + with comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for advancement Documented local labor demand Initial training can be completed in six

months

PROGRAM TRAINING TRACKS

Information Technology• SYSTEMS

ADMINISTRATOR• PRODUCTIVITY

SOFTWARE• COBOL

PROGRAMMING Machine Tool Technology

• CNC• ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

EDS KELLY XEROX FANUC ROBOTICS DECO TECHNOLOGIES

COMPANY RESPONSIBILITY

Advisory role Curriculum

development Corporate Culture

instruction Selection of trainees Job offers

Paid internships Manager Training On-the-job

mentoring Continued training Ambassador for

program

GETTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE INVOLVED UP FRONT

Local Leader/Legislator

Workforce Development Board

Employer Partners Family Independence

Agency Faith Community Work First

Contractors

Child Care Agency Community Based

Organizations Support Service

Providers Community College or

local training provider

Emergency Fund Applications

Suspended licenses Unpaid tickets Separation/divorce Evictions, rent, housing

Privately Donated Emergency Funds

OCC Foundation Comerica Birmingham Women’s Club Howard and Howard Law Firm Other private sponsors

Case Management - It’s the little extras that make the difference

Special Topics• American Express Financial Planning • Credit Counseling• Parenting and Immunization Workshops• The Ropes - Team building

Special Occasions - Fun for All! • Professional clothing drive • Toy drive for Christmas • Shop till you Drop

TRAINING DESIGN:SOME OF THE DETAILS

What makes it work

CURRICULUM COMPONENTS

Job specific technical skills• Computer, machining, robotics

Basic skills• Math, reading, research, and problem

solving Corporate culture Life skills

GUIDING PRINCIPLES- Integrated Throughout

Communications skills Problem-solving strategies Team work Professionalism Work Habits Appropriate Attire Schedule structured like a work week

PREP TRACK- Life skills and Basic Computer Literacy

Team Building & Gaining trust Master Student Franklin Planner Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Effective

People Culture groundbreaking Keyboarding & Computer Literacy

Technical Skills Track Computer applications Programming literacy Application development using

COBOL Computer Network Systems Writing and Communication Problem solving

INTERNSHIP

24 hours/week Balances the challenge of the work

environment with the “safety” of the classroom

Post -Training Transition

On-going coaching and Support Services• Employer and Case Managers

Lunch with mentors Follow-up Events• Reunions• Graduations• Financial Aid Workshops

HOW DID WE DO?

76 of 82 completed training• 93% Retention

72 placed into full time jobs• 88% placement rate

Salaries: $18-25,000 85% Cash assistance cases closed After 1 year: raises, promotions,

returning to school

WIN-WIN RESULTS:

Employers Employees

trained for specific jobs

Cost effective (tax credits)

Loyal employees

Community Skilled Workforce Generation

Impact: 100+ Reduced tax

supported public assistance

KEYS TO SUCCESS

The will to succeed Strong economy Accurately identifying occupations in demand Employer commitment at all levels Community-based taskforce Trust between partners Holistic approach Strong communication links

LESSONS LEARNED

Involve more than one company

Career development philosophy

Corporate Sponsor is a Partner & a Customer

Share successes Fight the

stereotype on both sides of the equation

ADAPT:ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL!

Issues will be unique to each community

Occupational demand will differ Multiple employers vs. single employer Flexibility-open entry/open-exit format

based on competency attainment.