THE GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY IS AN EMERGING HIGH GROWTH INDUSTRY 12 APPLICATION AREAS ARE IDENTIFIED  Carbon Management  Public Health  Energy Forecasting  Aviation Safety  Water Management  Homeland Security  Coastal Management  Disaster Preparedness  Agricultural Competitiveness  Invasive Species  Community Growth  Air Quality

WHAT IS A GEOSPATIAL TECHNICIAN? Geospatial technologies use information technology to help us understand where we are spatially on the earth, and what impact we have on the earth’s natural and man-made resources. Geospatial technologies include: Remote Sensing Remote Sensing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies.

What is the Demand? Across the country, tens of thousands of trained workers are needed to fill positions working with geospatial technologies and applications.

For example, the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, the projected demand for remote sensing technologists in their agency exceeds 800 in a three-year period (Castro 2002), and an estimated 7,000 employees will require retraining.

Funded as a 2 year Pilot Project

Develop a “pilot” apprenticeship program for the occupation of GeoSpatial TechnicianDevelop a “pilot” apprenticeship program for the occupation of GeoSpatial Technician Develop a curriculum related to the GeoSpatial Technician occupationDevelop a curriculum related to the GeoSpatial Technician occupation Develop “competency-based” work processesDevelop “competency-based” work processes PROJECT GOALS

Development of a “capacity building” (technical assistance) componentDevelopment of a “capacity building” (technical assistance) component Develop a technical assistance component for the training and education of state and local WIA, WIB and One-Stop partnersDevelop a technical assistance component for the training and education of state and local WIA, WIB and One-Stop partners Develop “National Guideline Apprenticeship Standards” for future replication on a national basisDevelop “National Guideline Apprenticeship Standards” for future replication on a national basis PROJECT GOALS, cont.

In connection with business partners, initiate not less than two (2) pilot apprenticeship program sitesIn connection with business partners, initiate not less than two (2) pilot apprenticeship program sites Expand the pilot in up to an additional five (5) sites with identified partnersExpand the pilot in up to an additional five (5) sites with identified partners Monitor for success and make modifications to major components as necessaryMonitor for success and make modifications to major components as necessary

WHO ARE OUR PROJECT PARTNERS? The University of Southern Mississippi (Grantee) NASA Employers at the Stennis Space Center 3001GeoTekCoast Electric NAVOCHL

Current Progress: GTAP Apprenticeship Committee Established Draft Standards (GNJ) are undergoing Final Edits Job Performance Requirements Related Instruction Designed

Outreach Activities Underway: High School OutreachHigh School Outreach One-Stop OutreachOne-Stop Outreach Military/Veteran OutreachMilitary/Veteran Outreach

ROI Evaluation Framework ROI certification process to build skills internally to set up a systematic process for accountability and measure the impact of training

Special Thanks to Our Test Pilot Anthony Swoope