Post on 10-Aug-2020
Dr. Michael E. Harris
Dean, College and Career Readiness
Economic &Workforce Development
Forsyth Technical Community College
Building a Skilled Workforce...
Forsyth Tech Skilled Worker Model…
It is a comprehensive workforce and social model
focused on building skilled workers through a
core approach based on:
• Community Collaboration
• Case Management
• Tracking of Students Served
• Helping low skilled workers become
college & career ready
Objectives of Forsyth Tech Skilled Worker
Model…
To create a paradigm shift in Forsyth and
Stokes Counties:
• Citizens and businesses understand and
conduct best practices socially,
educationally and economically.
• Attract, sustain and build a workforce that
meets industry needs.
Specific Goals of Forsyth Tech Skilled Worker
Model…
• To match the right person to the right job
• To help with retention of potential high school
dropouts and assist with their transition.
• To work collaboratively with employers and
non-profit agencies for social and economic
prosperity
• To work towards building a skilled workforce
and a strong community
How a Community can Create a Skilled Worker…
• Agree on Core Components that identify a
Skilled Worker:
• Academics, Computer Skills, Soft Skills and
Technical Skills
• Centralize similar practices throughout the
community known as the Five A’s:
• Awareness, Assessment, Advising, Academics
and Achievement, Soft Skills Training and
Certification
Five A’S Tracking System…
Tracking of Success…
• The core of the program is based on a tracking system of
students’ academic progression, social and economical
factors which are maintained in a portfolio for each
student.
• The process provides support for the student’s career
path to insure student success in transitioning within
Forsyth Tech and the obtainment of the National Career
Readiness Certificate
• Funding of non-credit skilled and pathway courses that
further enhance students opportunity in the workplace or
lead to further in-depth studies for a career has
contributed to the success of the model.
Skilled Worker Model…
Skilled Worker Model…
Agency Connections…
• Each agency recognizes their role in the
community to avoid duplication of services and
to work together collectively as a community.
• Many agencies are connected through the local
Workforce Board which is the Piedmont Triad
Regional Council (PTRC).
• Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act
(WIOA)
Community Partners…
• Piedmont Triad Regional Council
• Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
• Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce
• Goodwill Industries
• Experiment in Self-Reliance
• City of Winston-Salem
• Forsyth County Detention Center
Populations Served…
• Unemployed and Underemployed
• Limited ability in the English language
• Mentally handicapped
• Correctional or other immured groups
• Low income adults
• Single parents
• Displaced workers
• Professionals in Transition
Changing Labor Market Demand
and Laws…
• Changing nature of the workforce
• Fastest growing jobs require HS+
• Concerns about skills gap
• Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act
• http://www.nawb.org/wioa_resources.asp
Efforts to Meet the Challenge…
• Career Pathways
• Industry-Based Training Programs
• Linking Social, Workforce and Economic
Development
Final Thoughts…
Closing Remarks…
Five A’s statement
• Awareness, Assessment, Advising, Academics
and Achievement plus Soft Skills Training
encompassing the Career Readiness Certificate
(CRC) with Piedmont Triad Regional Council
validation helps a person transition into the
work place and further training.
Dr. Michael E. Harris
Dean, College and Career Readiness
Economic &Workforce Development
Forsyth Technical Community College
Thank you…
Building a Skilled Workforce...