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?