19D - WORKFORCE PLAN 2017-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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their employment outcomes while meeting the needs of local employers and growing sectors and industries. Career Pathway programs offer facilitated navigation of training and education programs: a clear sequence, or pathway, of education coursework and/or training credentials aligned with employer - validated work readiness standards and competencies. The OC Local Plan Career Pathway program elements include: • Sector Strategy: Education /training programs align with the skill needs of industries important to the regional or state economies in which they are located, and reflect the fact that employers in the targeted industry sectors are actively engaged in determining the skill requirements for employment or career progression in high - demand occupations. • StackableEducationall7raininqOt)tion :Career pathway programs include the full range of secondary, adult education, and postsecondary education options, including registered apprenticeships; they use a non - duplicative progression of courses clearly articulated from one level of instruction to the next; they provide opportunities to earn postsecondary credits; and they lead to industry- recognized and /or postsecondary credentials. • Contextualized Leamina: Education /training programs focus on curriculum and instructional strategies that make work a central context for learning and help students attain work readiness skills. • Accelerated /Integrated Education & Training.' As appropriate for the individual, programs combine occupational skills training with adult education services, give credit for prior learning, and adopt other strategies that accelerate the educational and career advancement of the participant. • Industry - recognized Credentials: Effective Career Pathway programs lead to the attainment of industry- recognized degrees or credentials that have value in the labor market. • Multiple Entry & Exit Points: Programs allow workers of varying skill levels to enter or advance within a specific sector or occupational field. • intensive Wrap- Around Services: Career pathway systems incorporate academic and career counseling and wrap- around support services (particularly at points of transition), and support the development of individual career plans. • Designed for Working Learners: Career pathway programs are designed to meet the needs of adults and non - traditional students who often need to combine work and study. They provide childcare services and accommodate work schedules with flexible and non - semester -based scheduling, alternative class times and locations, and innovative uses of technology. STRATEGY: "The Promise of Career Pathways System Change" report describes six key elements, which were identified through U.S. DOL career pathways technical assistance Initiative, as essential to the development and Implementation of state and local career pathways systems. As the OC Regional Plan discusses regional vision and strategy, the OC Local Plan will focus efforts on the development of local services and operations using these six key elements as a framework for leading the development of pathways programs in the county. These activities support the strategy the local boards will use to work with entities carrying out core programs to expand access to employment, training, education, and supportive services for eligible Individuals, particularly eligible Individuals with barriers to employment. Strate icActivrt Qr "an eCount Career'P.athwa ;Pro ram'Develo ment.Faan. '• Build Cross - Agency Partnerships: Key cross- This step has been initiated through the establishment of the Orange agency partners at the local and state levels are County Workforce and Economic Development Network; engaged, agree to a shared vision, and gain support from political leaders. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and formalized. Identify Industry Sector and Engage Four Sector Partnership groups will be formed; IT, manufacturing, Employers: Sectors and Industries are selected hospitality & tourism, and healthcare, The IT and manufacturing and employers are engaged in the development groups have been active through grants and partnerships; Actively of career pathways. engage businesses in workforce planning, Including identifying key industry skills needs, determining skills gaps, and training to be incorporated in career pathways Design Education and Training Programs: Through an intensive process of surveying current programs and Career pathway programs provide a clear assessing coursework available to address industry needs, career sequence of education courses and credentials pathways approaches will begin to take shape; and education that meet the skill needs of high- demand partners will lead the process to develop necessary curricula; industries. Ex and the use of work -based learning models to create additional —4 OC Local Plan 19D -66