Joanne ZukowskiAssociate VP Economic & Workforce Development

York Technical College

American Gear Manufacturing AssociationRegional Meeting

March 9, 2011

About York Tech• One of 16 Technical Colleges in SC• Offers Associates degrees in

– Business & Computer– Arts & Sciences– Health & Human Services– Industrial Engineering Technology

• 89 Programs of study• 6,000 credit students

• Serve an additional 10,000+ students in Corporate & Continuing Education

• $192+ million annual economic impact

Linking Education to Employers

York Tech …• Prepares workers for targeted occupations with employers through short,

flexible training programs

• Deliver customized training in classroom, online, or hybrid formats

• Train pre-hires, new hires, assesses or upgrades employee skills

• Conduct Work Keys Occupational Profiles/Career Readiness Certification

• Coordinate key partnerships with employers that includes:– Apprenticeships tailored to meet employer needs– Internships/Cooperative Work Experiences– Tech Scholars to build a labor pool– Dream it Do it! Initiative between area high schools and manufacturers

Linking Education to Manufacturing

Why is This Important?The Future of Manufacturing is Through Education! National solutions require:

1. Technology-infused, more “life-relevant” education

2. Increased access to post-secondary degrees and industry-recognized credentials

3. Clear career pathways aligned to competency-based education and certification programs

4. Excitement and awareness of high-paying, high-quality manufacturing careers

The Shrinking Pipeline

Recruiting Students Into STEM Careers

Promotes understanding of advanced, high-tech manufacturing

Promotes a modern image of manufacturing

Promotes strong, regional, cluster-oriented, pro-manufacturing partnerships among local business, political, education, and civic leaders, and economic developers

Offers an engaging, interactive website and access to national models

Serves as an channel into aligned educational pathways in post-secondary education.

Manufacturing Careers Recruitment Strategy

Contact your local community or tech college Participate in a DACUM

Serve on a Manufacturing Advisory Council Start a Tech Scholars program for new hires

Get involved with Dream it! Do it! Career Days at middle and high schools

Educators in Industry – Summer programs Plant tours for parents, students, teachers

Robotics competitions for kids

Where Can You Contribute?