Diana Sunday, Office of Institutional Research September 2013 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Employment Outcomes Survey Columbia College

Columbia College CTE Programs Automotive Technology Business Administration Child Development Computer-Aided Design Computer Information Systems Computer Support & Networking Culinary & Pastry Arts Emergency Medical Services Entrepreneurship Fire Technology Forestry & Natural Resources Geographic Information Systems Multimedia Technology Office Technology Water Resources Management Welding Technology

Survey Background Purpose: In the Spring 2013, Columbia College contracted with the RP Group to survey previously enrolled students. This was to provide information on employment outcomes for those who have participated in career technical education (CTE) programs at Columbia College. Research Questions: Do students become employed within their field of study? Does Columbia College coursework positively affect students’ earning potential? Why do students drop out of CTE programs? Survey Development: The RP Group partnered with the Bay Area Community College Consortium and practitioners from around the state to develop a universally available survey methodology. The survey is based on completer and leaver surveys that have been conducted at several colleges and was tested through a pilot study.

CTE Employment Outcomes Survey Methodology Surveys were sent to skills-building students if they met one or more of the following criteria in : – Did not enroll in – Earned a certificate of 6 or more credit units – Earned a vocational degree – Earned 9+ CTE units 4

CTE Employment Outcomes Survey Methodology Surveys were administered in early 2013 via , then by US mail, and finally by telephone. Columbia’s total sample N:346 Survey’s total response rate:31.2% (108/346)* Of the 108 respondents: 38% responded by 27% responded by US mail 35% responded by telephone *Statewide Response Rate: 24% 5

Overall Findings – All CCC Participants Completing CTE studies and training – with or without a credential – appears to have positive employment outcomes. Most respondents (66%) found work within 6 months of completing – or indicated they were already employed; 26% were continuing their studies or weren’t looking for work; and 8% were still looking for employment, The mean average hourly wage for completers was $18, and most reported working within the local area (Calaveras/Tuolumne), For those who responded to questions #14 and #17, 76% reported increases in their hourly wage after completing their studies (from $.50 to +$20.00, see chart to follow), The majority (88.9%) indicated they were satisfied with the education and training they had received at Columbia College. 6

The Respondents 57.8% were Male, 41% Female, 1.2% Unknown Overall Averages (taken from MIS historical files of student data): – Units Earned: 33.7 – Transfer Units Earned: 23.3 – Degree Applicable Units Earned: 33.0 – Vocational Units Earned: 21.5 – Remedial Units Earned: 3.7 Overall Average GPA: 2.26 The most cited program of study were the liberal studies and fulfilling general education requirements. The second largest ratio for programs studied were Fire Science followed by Business/Accounting. 7% of the respondents had verified transfers to 4-year institutions. Nearly half of the respondents (40%) indicated they would return for more classes in the future.

Survey Summaries 64% of Columbia College respondents stated their primary reason for attending college was to earn a certificate or degree (with or without transfer) 8

Columbia College Findings Respondents who did not receive a degree/certificate reported reasons for stop outs in taking classes: Indicated their goal had been met (N = 39) Completed the program (N =38) Got a job (N = 21) Transferred to another school (N =17 ) Didn’t have enough time for classes (N =14 ) The classes they needed were not available (N =13 ) Family or personal reasons (N =11 ) 9

Columbia College Findings 89% of respondents were Satisfied or Very Satisfied with the education and training they received at our college 21% indicated they transferred to a 4-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree (7% were verified). 77% of respondents are currently employed for pay (83/108) 10

Columbia College Findings Respondents reported their current employment status to be: 11

Columbia College Findings Currently employed respondents reported how closely related their current job is to their field of study: – 43% reported very close – My current job is in the same field as my coursework/training – 43% reported not close – My studies and training are not at all related to my current job – 14% reported close – I use what I learned in my coursework and training even though I am not working in the exact field 12

Columbia College Findings Respondents reported their work status before and after studies/training 13

Columbia College Findings The hourly wage of degree/certificate earners increased from ($15.06) before their studies to ($17.78) after completing a degree or certificate 14

Findings Respondents reported the impact of their coursework on their employment: Had no impact on their employment (N = 31) Prepared them for a possible new job (N = 20) Enabled with skills to get a job at a new organization (N = 20) Enabled with skills to stay in their job (N = 13) Learned skills to get a promotion (N = 12) Enabled to start their own business (N = 3) 15

Now What? What of this information was useful or, what did we learn that we didn’t know before regarding our CTE students? Are these data worth digging into deeper? What else about our CTE students do we need to find out that may not have been included in this survey? Can we capture this information in other ways? Should we consider contracting with the RP Group for another CTE Outcomes Survey this spring? In another year? 16

Questions? For more information: Diana Sunday, Director Research & Planning Chris Vitelli, Vice President, Student Learning For Additional Resources regarding RPGroup and CTE Outcomes Survey: CTE Outcomes Survey Summary – All CCC Participating Schools: OS%202013%20Report.pdf OS%202013%20Report.pdf CTE User Guide: using-resultshttp:// using-results 17