ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM A MODEL OF INNOVATION & COLLABORATION

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

PROGRAM GOALS n Gain full-time employment in high paying jobs n Total self-sufficiency n Pursue continuing education n Skilled workforce n Teaching companies about living wages & barriers to work n Enrich the college curriculum

KEY COMPONENTS TO THE MODEL n Career opportunities n Industry partnerships n Community task force

Criteria for CAREER OPPORTUNITIES n Entry level wage of $20,000 + with comprehensive benefits package n Opportunities for advancement n Documented local labor demand n Initial training can be completed in six months

PROGRAM TRAINING TRACKS n Information Technology SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE COBOL PROGRAMMING n Machine Tool Technology CNC ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

INDUSTRY PARTNERS n EDS n KELLY n XEROX n FANUC ROBOTICS n DECO TECHNOLOGIES

COMPANY RESPONSIBILITY n Advisory role n Curriculum development n Corporate Culture instruction n Selection of trainees n Job offers n Paid internships n Manager Training n On-the-job mentoring n Continued training n Ambassador for program

GETTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE INVOLVED UP FRONT n Local Leader/Legislator n Workforce Development Board n Employer Partners n Family Independence Agency n Faith Community n Work First Contractors n Child Care Agency n Community Based Organizations n Support Service Providers n Community College or local training provider

Emergency Fund Applications n Suspended licenses n Unpaid tickets n Separation/divorce n Evictions, rent, housing

Privately Donated Emergency Funds OCC Foundation n Comerica n Birmingham Women’s Club n Howard and Howard Law Firm n Other private sponsors

Case Management - It’s the little extras that make the difference n Special Topics American Express Financial Planning Credit Counseling Parenting and Immunization Workshops The Ropes - Team building n Special Occasions - Fun for All! Professional clothing drive Toy drive for Christmas Shop till you Drop

TRAINING DESIGN: SOME OF THE DETAILS n What makes it work

CURRICULUM COMPONENTS n Job specific technical skills Computer, machining, robotics n Basic skills Math, reading, research, and problem solving n Corporate culture n Life skills

GUIDING PRINCIPLES- Integrated Throughout n Communications skills n Problem-solving strategies n Team work n Professionalism n Work Habits n Appropriate Attire n Schedule structured like a work week

PREP TRACK- Life skills and Basic Computer Literacy n Team Building & Gaining trust n Master Student n Franklin Planner n Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Effective People n Culture groundbreaking n Keyboarding & Computer Literacy

Technical Skills Track n Computer applications n Programming literacy n Application development using COBOL n Computer Network Systems n Writing and Communication n Problem solving

INTERNSHIP n 24 hours/week n Balances the challenge of the work environment with the “safety” of the classroom

Post -Training Transition n On-going coaching and Support Services Employer and Case Managers n Lunch with mentors n Follow-up Events Reunions Graduations Financial Aid Workshops

HOW DID WE DO? n 76 of 82 completed training 93% Retention n 72 placed into full time jobs 88% placement rate n Salaries: $18-25,000 n 85% Cash assistance cases closed n After 1 year: raises, promotions, returning to school

WIN-WIN RESULTS: Employers n Employees trained for specific jobs n Cost effective (tax credits) n Loyal employees Community n Skilled Workforce n Generation Impact: 100+ n Reduced tax supported public assistance

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

LESSONS LEARNED n Involve more than one company n Career development philosophy n Corporate Sponsor is a Partner & a Customer n Share successes n Fight the stereotype on both sides of the equation

ADAPT: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL! n Issues will be unique to each community n Occupational demand will differ n Multiple employers vs. single employer n Flexibility-open entry/open-exit format based on competency attainment.