Work Readiness Standards and Benchmarks The Key to Differentiating America’s Workforce and Regaining Global Competitiveness 02/07/13

2 Agenda 1.Overview of Work Readiness Standards and Benchmarks 2.Application of curriculum profiles in developing occupational training programs aligned with employer demand for skills in construction management 3.Application of work readiness standards for skill-based careers in manufacturing 4.Development of a “fast track” program for Nursing Assistants that focuses on both the development of foundational and occupational specific skills 5.Q & A

3 Ready for College and Ready for Work: Same AND Different? Levels of readiness in reading and math needed to succeed in college-level courses without remediation are comparable to those needed to learn job-specific skills. These findings do not address “job-specific” skills, above and beyond “foundational” skills. Individuals need both to be successful in a career pathway and to differentiate themselves in a competitive job market.

4 Definition of Work Readiness A “work ready” individual possesses the foundational skills needed to be minimally qualified for a specific occupation as determined through a job analysis or occupational profile.

5 Work Ready Skills 1)Foundational AND occupation specific 2)Vary in both importance and level for different occupations 3)Depend on the critical tasks identified via a job analysis or occupational profile

6 Work Ready Standards and Benchmarks Work Ready Standards are precise descriptions of the knowledge and combination of skills that individuals need to be minimally qualified for a target occupation. While work readiness standards establish the mix of skills and range of levels reported by employers (i.e., minimum and maximum) for specific occupations, benchmarks are the target skill level (i.e., median) that an individual should aim for in order to be considered work ready.

7 Task List for Accountant

8 Task List for Welder

9 Work Ready Standards and Benchmarks Skill RequiredAccountantsWelder Applied Mathematics63 Reading for Information54 Locating Information54 Applied TechnologyN/A3 Writing32 Listening43 Teamwork43 Observation44 ACT® Work Ready Standards and Benchmarks for approximately 1,100 occupations can be found at:

10 The Role of Foundational Skills for Work Readiness

11 For more information contact: Hope Clark Assistant Vice President, Workforce Research

Curriculum Profile Kirkwood Construction Management Program

2 Year Program Construction Management provides entry-level skills and knowledge for students who want to pursue one of the many careers available in the construction industry residential, commercial or highway construction; material suppliers; building inspection; component manufacturing

Construction management program had been developed through collaboration with 2 and 4 year institutions across the country UNI is Kirkwood’s current 4 year partner in development of educational path Industry partner feedback Create a consistent pathway from 2 year to 4 year. Are we addressing the foundation and job ready skills in our curriculum? Why a curriculum profile?

WorkKeys certified job profiler with profiling experience was key for success Need for in depth analysis for foundational and job ready skills Subject Matter Experts willing to be open and identify gaps The Players….

Curriculum Review Review of current objectives related to 27 technical outcomes Used SME within the department who consulted with recent graduates, other instructors and Dean Crosswalk between learning objectives defined by National Center for Construction and Education Careers

Identification of Needed Job Ready Skills SMEs and Job profiler walked through curriculum of all major classes SME and job profiler identified objectives from the NCCER curriculum that were not being covered in current curriculum and were also being recommended by industry partners. Identified objectives were then added to appropriate courses 83 Learning objectives were identified for the 2 year program, an increase of 20% from pre-curriculum profile – It’s not that these weren’t being taught, but were we being consistent in our teaching and making sure all industry needed skills were addressed at appropriate times in the program.

Examples of Job Ready Skills – Describe the four common construction delivery systems by attending class discussion as a part of Construction Management coursework – Identify the gender and minority issues associated with a changing workforce. This is attained as a part of the Construction Law and Construction Management courses. – Explain the quality control responsibility of managers, superintendents, and crew leaders by reviewing case studies, applying calculation methods and text as part of the Construction Management coursework

Foundational Skills It was through the identification of the appropriate job ready skills that we were able to do an appropriate foundational analysis WorkKeys Skill Skill Level Range EntryExit Applied Mathematics Locating Information Workplace Observation Reading for Information 3-746

Amy Lasack Kirkwood Community College

Aligning Training Programs with Real-Time Jobs for almost 100 Years Serving Minnesota & Upper Midwest Established

DUNWOODY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY FACTS Type Private, not-for-profit Technical College Founded 1914 by William H. Dunwoody Location Minneapolis, MN Alumni Has educated more than 250,000 men and women Degrees Associate of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science & Certificate options Accreditation The Higher Leaning Commission & member of the North Central Association of the HLC

Credit College Applied Management Automotive Computer technology Construction Science & Building Technology Design and Graphics Electrical Health Science & Technology HVAC Programs Interior Design Robotics & Manufacturing Technology Non credit Workforce Training Continuing Education Custom Training Apprenticeship Professional Development Accelerated Certificates DUNWOODY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Applying Work Readiness Standards for focused, skill-based careers in the Manufacturing Industry of Cutting and Sewing.

Understand the industry need, what the industry produces and the environment Understand the demographic of the student, their motivation and desire to work Investigating workforce and student Job Skills Training Program

Define Skills Relating to Occupation Several round table meetings with industry partners

Surveyed employers to help define: “Occupational skills and knowledge” required to safely and accurately operate machines and to understand the process of production. (Handout) Define Skills Relating to Occupation

Surveyed 2013 wage rate willing to pay Investigated student profile Survey Results Average Entry Pay Rate Pay Rate after Training $9.60$13.60 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Estimated Industry Wage: 14.36

Define Skills Relating to Occupation (Handout)

Aligning Occupational Skills to Work Readiness Standard Occupational Test Collaborated with MN Workforce Agency Counselors to make for Work Readiness Standards (National Career Readiness Certification Level 3) after Benchmarking with Industries. Foundational Academic Test Collaborated with Community Service Organization to establish academic readiness using the TABE test Level 7M. Important for retention and communication

Work Readiness Standards Comparison Reference: MN Workforce Center

Sewing & Production Specialist Student Demographics Gender:Age Range:Employment: Average Hr. Rate Male 28%19-60 YearsEmployed: 67% $9.60 Female 72% Average age 37Unemployed: 33%

Questions?Thank You!

RSN at South Central College Dr. Nancy Genelin Vice President of Academic Affairs

About South Central College South Central College is a Minnesota Community and Technical College with a history of academic excellence since The college has campuses in two great communities: Faribault & North Mankato.

Minnesota FastTRAC Adult Career Pathway – INDUSTRY- RECOGNIZED CREDENTIAL OCCUPATIONAL PREP READINESS CAREER AWARENESS INTEGRATED SUPPORT: RESOURCES THAT MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE ADULT TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE PROGRAM INTEGRATED BASIC EDUCATION AND SKILLS TRAINING

Minnesota FastTRAC Adult Career Pathway POST- SECONDARY CREDENTIAL ABE BRIDGE II ABE BRIDGE PREP ABE BRIDGE I INTEGRATED SUPPORT SYSTEM Support services for success including barrier mitigation, career advising, system navigation provided by workforce development, community based organizations, and human services ABE/SCC INTEGRATED INSTRUCTION

Target Participants Beginning Basic Education  CASAS: Reading ; Math  TABE: Reading ; Math Low/High Beginning ESL  CASAS Reading 181 – 200 Other Characteristics:  Desire to work.  Little or no work experience.  May require assistance securing stable employment or even income supports before ready for a bridge program. Features  Intentional focus on work content by embedding work skills in ABE/ESL coursework.  Demonstrated learning through simulations and practice of work skills.  Intentional focus on cultural/soft skills needed to be successful in a career path.  Exposure to authentic work sites. Bridge Prep Program Model

Target Participants Low Intermediate Basic Education  CASAS Reading ; Math  TABE Reading ; Math Low/High Intermediate ESL  CASAS Reading Other Characteristics:  Some work experience.  Desire to improve basic skills to advance to a better job.  Need to gain awareness of occupational sector opportunities and career pathway education and employment. Features  Basic reading (meaning), writing (sentences), speaking (workplace vocabulary), and math (computation) taught in context of a variety of occupational sectors.  Exploration of industry-specific vocabulary and skills with demonstration of learning through simulations.  Build workplace communication and technology skills.  Job placement or job retention assistance.  Intentional soft skill training Suggested Characteristics Bridge I Program Model

Bridge II Program Model Target Participants High Intermediate Basic Education  CASAS Reading ; Math  TABE Reading 518 – 566; Math 506 – 565 High Intermediate ESL  CASAS Reading 211 – 220 Other Characteristics:  With or without HS diploma/GED.  Some work history; demonstrated motivation; desire to enter target occupational sector.  Deemed “Employable” (for MFIP/Work Benefit participants) as indicated by state screening tool: Employability Measures  Declared interest to pursue postsecondary technical training or education Required Program Elements  Course(s) developed with partners, including employers and workforce development  Course(s) designed in partnership between ABE and MnSCU CTE instructors  Course(s) delivered by ABE  Provides foundational skills in reading, writing and math within identified occupational or sector context – National Career Readiness Credential - Bronze level  Introduces foundational concepts within a specific career pathway or pathways  Course(s) linked directly to Integrated Program

Bridge II Program Model Features  Basic reading (reading for information), writing (paragraphs), speaking (presentations), math (pre-algebra), and computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software) taught in the context of an occupational sector  Training in industry-specific vocabulary and technical fundamentals taught using workplace problems and tools and material from introductory college- level classes  Learn success skills (education and employment), including note-taking, study habits, time management, financial literacy, and test-taking  Build digital literacy skills and readiness for online learning systems (D2L, Learner Web, etc)  Job shadowing and internships Goals  Provide higher level instruction in basic skills (reading, communication, applied math) integrated with teaching of basic occupation-specific technical skills  Prepare for college occupational certificate and degree program

Integrated Instruction Target Participants Low/High Adult Secondary Education  CASAS Reading 236 – 246+ ; Math 236 – 246+  TABE Reading 567 – 596+ ; Math 566 – 595+ Advanced ESL  CASAS Reading 221 – 235 Accuplacer score for Career & Technical Education by completion of Integrated course Other Characteristics:  HS diploma/GED complete or nearly complete.  Some work history; readiness to take on independent learning required in college level coursework.  Completion of bridge program or demonstration of experience/knowledge of occupational sector. Required Program Elements  Shared development of integrated course outcomes – CTE course outcomes remain the same; ABE course outcomes developed to support successful completion of CTE course outcomes  Shared instruction – ABE and CTE instructors working together in the classroom at least 50% of the time.  Shared student –in both ABE and MnSCU systems  Courses are in programs that build toward certificates, diplomas, and/or degrees and lead to employment in high demand, high growth industries  at least the first 6 credits in career pathway  Integrated Instruction model used in introductory “gateway” courses that embed in multiple certificate pathways

Integrated Instruction Features  Previewing and reinforcing skill concepts facilitated by ABE instructor  Instructional support by ABE instructor during part of the skills training course  Support with college and employment success skills, including technology, study habits, time management, and communication  Placement into career pathway employment; continued counseling for career growth  Training strategies should reflect the needs of both workers and employers; for example, integrating high school completion with certificate, diploma or degree coursework Goals  For program: Provide support in basic education (reading, communication, applied math) and college success skills integrated with teaching of occupation-specific technical skills  For adult: Complete community college occupational certificate, diploma, degree program; obtain employment

Integrated Support Systems Social supports needed to complete a program, including, but not limited to –basic needs –housing, –childcare –transportation –crisis intervention, –social service navigation, –work experience, etc., Comprehensive support services enhance planning and informed decision making and increase success in achieving both education and employment goals, including, but not limited to –Career advising –Work experience –Job placement and retention services These services provided throughout the pathway by Workforce Development, Employers, Community Based Organizations, Human Services, or other partners

For Educationally Underprepared Adults  Help for individuals who want to advance to career path job but lack the necessary basic skills.  Exposure to a broad range of jobs, careers, and education opportunities.  Access to postsecondary occupational education.  Counseling to help with career and education planning and overcoming barriers to success.  Facilitated contacts and connections to the labor market, employers, and specific jobs.  Support services to remove barriers to successful career pathway education and employment Adapted from Women employed with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC Great Cities Institute,. “Women Employed.” Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide. Women Employed Institute, Web 2 Apr FastTRAC Benefits

For Employers  Increased input into certification courses offered in their industry in their region.  Source of workers who are qualified for high-level semi-skilled and entry-level skilled jobs and are prepared to advance.  Improved productivity resulting from a qualified workforce. Adapted from Women employed with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC Great Cities Institute,. “Women Employed.” Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide. Women Employed Institute, Web 2 Apr FastTRAC Benefits

For Community & Technical Colleges and Other Postsecondary Institutions  “Feeders” of qualified and motivated students to occupational certificate and degree programs;  Preparation of students who come to college with inadequate basic skills to succeed in college-level courses.  Improved retention, graduation rates, and job-placement outcomes, particularly among underrepresented students.  Faculty in credit programs can focus on college-level material rather than developing students’ basic skills.  Clear way to show the connection between a college’s multiple missions. Adapted from Women employed with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC Great Cities Institute,. “Women Employed.” Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide. Women Employed Institute, Web 2 Apr FastTRAC Benefits

For Community Based Organizations  Help community members advance to college-level occupational education, which has become the gateway to career pathway employment.  Effective response to community need for economic development.  Role as equal partner in development and delivery of adult career pathway program. Adapted from Women employed with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC Great Cities Institute,. “Women Employed.” Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide. Women Employed Institute, Web 2 Apr FastTRAC Benefits

For Workforce Development Job connected training and advancement opportunities for one-stop career center clients. Response to the mismatch between employers demands for motivated workers with strong basic skills and basic skills deficiencies among large segments of the workforce. Use of existing infrastructure to meet employers’ hiring needs in sectors of importance to regional economies. Meet High Performance Measure of increasing postsecondary credential attainment with Workforce Investment Act participants. Adapted from Women employed with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC Great Cities Institute,. “Women Employed.” Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide. Women Employed Institute, Web 2 Apr FastTRAC Benefits

For Adult Basic Education Motivation and retention of students – increase in number of students completing programs. Ease in meeting ABE accountability measures while providing contextualized, authentic skill training. Recognition of key role ABE plays in economic prosperity for a region. Adapted from Women employed with Chicago Jobs Council and UIC Great Cities Institute,. “Women Employed.” Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Adults: A Program Development Guide. Women Employed Institute, Web 2 Apr FastTRAC Benefits

South Central College Outcomes 82 Started 76 Completed (92%) 31 Continued in Education Pathway (40% of completers) 35 Employed (46% of completers)

Minnesota Outcomes 12/12 FastTRAC Adult Career Pathway Program on 29 MnSCU campuses Sectors: Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, Energy and more Served over 1600 adults 88% received industry recognized credential or earned credits toward credential 70% employed or continuing education Of those employed 61% still employed 6 mos.

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