Future Focused Labor Market Research A “Home Brew” Approach

1. Future Focused Labor Market Research A “Home Brew” Approach NCWE – 2013 Annual Conference Milwaukee, WI – Oct. 16, 2013

2. What are the challenges?

3. Delaware Tech’s Challenges • Data was irrelevant due to being outdated • Not specific to DE • Not specific to 2-year programs • Didn’t look at emerging occupations (Energy Industry) • Only current data, not future • Faculty didn’t have time/resources to do in-depth research • Didn’t look at factors that are constantly evolving/changing

4. Centers of Excellence Research Model • Primary research complements and builds upon existing secondary sources • Workforce needs are validated by industry • Research identifies industry conditions and drivers • Reveals emerging occupations not yet classified through traditional LMI. • Highlights regional nuances • Both a supply AND demand analysis

5. CA COE Value Creation Model

6. Timeline July/August 2013 July 2012 Feb. 2013 Sept. 2011 March 2012 Nov. 2013 TAACCCT Grant Awarded Director Hired Mission, Vision, Brand Finalized Data Analyst and Admin Assistant Hired First Study on Delaware’s Energy Market Complete Second Study on Engineering Technology Due for Completion * Implementation of recommendations from Energy Industry study began in March 2013…approximately one year after start up. Impact has been felt college-wide. Employers feel like we are finally “paying attention”.

7. Keys to Partnership Keep in Mind Perspectives & Expertise • Partners should have varying expertise (see right) • Don’t reinvent the wheel! • HOWEVER - Understand YOUR region, college, and needs and create a program that meets those needs---No model is one size fits all • Develop a schedule to meet/talk • ASK FOR HELP

8. Keys to Success • Support from College Administrators– College President, VPs, Deans, Faculty (Credit and Non-Credit), Marketing • State-Level Support – Secretaries (Labor, Economic Development, and other key leaders) • Industry Expertise – Associations, Societies, Councils, Boards, Consortiums • Strategic Partnerships – Education, Media/Press, Major Employers • Personnel – Unique set of skills/competencies

9. Lessons Learned • STAKEHOLDERS GET IT – They see the value and want to see you succeed. • IT COSTS MONEY – However, there is a return on that up-front investment, and remember that prices are often negotiable • REPORTS MUST BE DATA DRIVEN – Data may not always reflect what you (or the college) want to see. Objectivity buildings credibility. Credibility builds visibility. • TELL THE WHOLE STORY - Combine quantitative and qualitative data sources to capture both sides – Supply AND Demand. • DON’T COMPETE FOR RESOURCES- Build on what partners have/do. • GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND- Staff selection is key to success • THERE WILL ALWAYS BE CHALLENGES – Every survey/study will have its unique challenges – Approach every challenge as a learning opportunity.

10. Sustaining CIRWA’s Success College President’s commitment to continued funding State and Federal grants can help support primary research efforts Private sector - particularly associations, councils, and boards will see the value in supply/demand data. CIRWA has already had requests to do research for outside entities…possibility for the future.

11. Q & A CIRWA Contact Info CA COE Contact Info John Carrese, Director Bay Region Center of Excellence, City College of San Francisco jcarrese@ccsf.edu (415) 452-5529 Elaine Gaertner, Former Statewide Director (Retired) California Centers of Excellence elaine@elaineg.net (408) 623-8611 www.coeccc.net Veronica S. Buckwalter, Director Center for Industry Research & Workforce Alignment (CIRWA) Delaware Technical Community College Terry Campus – Dover, DE v.buckwalter@dtcc.edu (302) 857-1599 www.dtcc.edu/cirwa