Workforce Readiness

Abstract:

What skills do adult learners need to succeed in today’s world, and how can instructors and programs aid in the acquisition of these skills? During this interactive, student-led session, participants will discuss 21st century skills and explore ideas for building these skills while increasing student engagement through student leadership opportunities. Students from the Mesa Public Schools Adult Education Program in Mesa, Arizona, will highlight the employability skills they have gained and how they have expanded their horizons through participation in program-wide student leadership opportunities. Participants will be introduced to ideas for enhancing student engagement through student leadership activities such as student volunteerism and participation on a student leadership committee.

Abstract:

Approximately one-third of the U.S. workforce works in service-sector industries such as restaurants and hotels, and the number of employees in these industries is on the rise. In this session, presenters will share results from an analysis of the most recent PIAAC data (2012/14), examining and comparing demographic profiles and characteristics of service-sector workers by their literacy skill levels. In addition, participants will learn how to best support service-sector workers in their upskilling efforts and hear examples of such support from a leading policy expert of adult education and upskilling. Lastly, participants will engage in a group discussion about how these research findings can help adult learners.

Abstract:

Want to learn how collaborative partnerships lead to effective career pathways? Come and discover how a workforce development board, community college, and your employers can successfully implement a pathway for a skilled talent pipeline.

Abstract:

Want to discover the secret to true contextualization? Join us to learn how reshaping your perspective for serving adults facilitates collaboration and helps students reach their goal to achieve a desired certification.

Abstract:

It is essential to help adult learners build their employability skills, yet sometimes it's hard to find engaging materials to do so. This interactive workshop will offer tools that support the development of skills that are critical to workplace success such as decision making, self-management, working in teams, and problem solving. Participants will experience employability activities as well as receive ideas and materials to use in the classroom. An employability framework, self-appraisal, and sample activities will be provided

Abstract:

WIOA key themes include career pathways, sector partnerships, and stronger connections between adult education and workforce. Our panel discusses these key themes through an initiative that is focused on individuals with low-literacy to engage in training and employment opportunities in high demand sectors of healthcare, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and IT. There are 200,000 adults in Cleveland, Ohio, that have reading and math levels below 8th grade. They are excluded from enrolling in occupational training due to their low literacy levels. Many become disengaged because they are embarrassed or discouraged by attending traditional adult education classes. This issue led a group of adult education, workforce development, employers, and occupational training professionals to look for solutions to give more adults access to high demand employment and training opportunities. Contextualized curriculum was developed based on demand sector training programs and employment opportunities. The training programs were designed based on employers’ needs and hiring requirements. The panel will discuss the process, development, implementation, and piloting of the integrated education and training model.

Abstract:

Amarillo College is a community college that was a recent recipient of the College Integration II Pathways Grant. Our college realized that we must increase student persistence through an enhanced orientation and must motivate our students to stay engaged in their classes to withstand the increased demands for performance which will guide them to the workforce or college life, creating a better life for our students.Amarillo College is a community college that was a recent recipient of the College Integration II Pathways Grant. Our college realized that we must increase student persistence through an enhanced orientation and must motivate our students to stay engaged in their classes to withstand the increased demands for performance which will guide them to the workforce or college life, creating a better life for our students. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnwhrtVF8u4 https://youtu.be/vrwViW9-S9Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFjc76baSp0&feature=youtu.be   https://youtu.be/vrwViW9-S9Y

Abstract:

We know that we need to get more and more students co-enrolled in adult education and occupational training to accelerate their career pathway. But what do we do with all of those students who don't qualify for occupational training because of their functioning level? This session will describe how one community college designed a continuum of career-infused programs so that ALL students had an opportunity to get connected to training and work experiences, including adults with special learning needs and English language acquisition students. An important key to the success of these programs is local partnerships. The session will highlight how WIOA partnerships help to sustain some of the activities and the impact of a highly effective soft skills curriculum developed by the local workforce development partners.