Edith Rojas, Workforce Education Coordinator
As we continue to celebrate Community College Month, now is an excellent time to spotlight how employers can find solutions to their workforce needs by partnering with community colleges.
Employers who work one-on-one with Waubonsee’s Workforce Education Programs can identify their core workforce and training needs to develop a customized solution and address workforce development needs in sector industries vital to the regional economy over time. The ultimate goal is to be more effective, intentional, and become ongoing strategic partners in developing the workforce in the local community.
By building effective partnerships, community colleges can strengthen the local workforce through work-based learning opportunities, customized training, and, most importantly, a connection to employer support services that can provide incentive funding to help train their workforce to gain the required skills. At Waubonsee, our Workforce Education and Career and Technical Education Programs bridge gaps between education, employers, and workforce programs. We connect local employers with their future talent pipeline through work-based learning opportunities and act as subject matter experts about underutilized federally funded workforce programs.
Did you know, according to the American Association of Colleges 2022 Executive Summary, the activities of community colleges' former students support one out of every 18 jobs in the U.S.? Locally, many Waubonsee students are non-traditional and live in our community. After graduation, many of our students choose to work locally, and with the skill attainment and education they received at Waubonsee, they can support local employers’ rapidly shifting needs. Through strong workforce partnerships, Waubonsee assists students with faster entry into the labor market, generating substantial value for our local economy.
Work-based learning opportunities provide clear education and career pathways for students and job seekers entering a high-skill occupation. Learners benefit by getting the work experience employers seek while gaining the skills and credentials recognized by the industry. Employers also benefit by sponsoring work-based learning initiatives. Work-based learning can help develop students and incumbent workers in the skills required for difficult-to-fill positions. Local employers partnering with community colleges in work-based learning initiatives ensure that the skills and qualifications trainees acquire align with their specific workforce needs. In addition, many employers find that staff turnover rates decline when they launch work-based learning programs.
Community colleges can connect employers to incentive funding to enhance individuals' employment opportunities, on-the-job training, and work experiences. These workforce programs can be especially beneficial to small business organizations that may lack the budget for staff training and development.
Community colleges are powerful resources to employers because they bridge between education and industry by equipping current employees and future employees with the required knowledge and skills to meet today’s labor challenges.
