Future Focused Labor Market Research A Home Brew Approach NCWE – 2013 Annual Conference Milwaukee, WI – Oct. 16, 2013

What are the challenges?

Delaware Techs Challenges Data was irrelevant due to being outdated Not specific to DE Not specific to 2-year programs Didnt look at emerging occupations (Energy Industry) Only current data, not future Faculty didnt have time/resources to do in-depth research Didnt look at factors that are constantly evolving/changing

Centers of Excellence Research Model Primary research complements and builds upon existing secondary sources Workforce needs are validated by industry Research identifies industry conditions and drivers Reveals emerging occupations not yet classified through traditional LMI. Highlights regional nuances Both a supply AND demand analysis

CA COE Value Creation Model

Timeline Sept March 2012 July 2012 Feb July/August 2013 Nov TAACCCT GrantAwarded Director Hired Mission, Vision, Brand Finalized First Study on Delawares Energy Market Complete Data Analyst and Admin Assistant Hired Second Study on Engineering Technology Due for Completion * Implementation of recommendations from Energy Industry study began in March 2013…approximately one year after start up. Impact has been felt college-wide. Employers feel like we are finally paying attention.

Keys to Partnership Keep in Mind Partners should have varying expertise (see right) Dont reinvent the wheel! HOWEVER - Understand YOUR region, college, and needs and create a program that meets those needs---No model is one size fits all Develop a schedule to meet/talk ASK FOR HELP Perspectives & Expertise StrategicOperationalTechnical

Keys to Success Support from College Administrators – College President, VPs, Deans, Faculty (Credit and Non-Credit), Marketing State-Level Support – Secretaries (Labor, Economic Development, and other key leaders) Industry Expertise – Associations, Societies, Councils, Boards, Consortiums Strategic Partnerships – Education, Media/Press, Major Employers Personnel – Unique set of skills/competencies

Lessons Learned STAKEHOLDERS GET IT – They see the value and want to see you succeed. IT COSTS MONEY – However, there is a return on that up-front investment, and remember that prices are often negotiable REPORTS MUST BE DATA DRIVEN – Data may not always reflect what you (or the college) want to see. Objectivity buildings credibility. Credibility builds visibility. TELL THE WHOLE STORY - Combine quantitative and qualitative data sources to capture both sides – Supply AND Demand. DONT COMPETE FOR RESOURCES - Build on what partners have/do. GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND - Staff selection is key to success THERE WILL ALWAYS BE CHALLENGES – Every survey/study will have its unique challenges – Approach every challenge as a learning opportunity.

Sustaining CIRWAs Success Sustainability College Funding State/Federal Grants Private Sector Support Fee-for- Service Model College Presidents commitment to continued funding State and Federal grants can help support primary research efforts CIRWA has already had requests to do research for outside entities…possibility for the future. Private sector - particularly associations, councils, and boards will see the value in supply/demand data.

Q & A CIRWA Contact Info Veronica S. Buckwalter, Director Center for Industry Research & Workforce Alignment (CIRWA) Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus – Dover, DE (302) CA COE Contact Info John Carrese, Director Bay Region Center of Excellence, City College of San Francisco (415) Elaine Gaertner, Former Statewide Director (Retired) California Centers of Excellence (408)