Support continued full funding for enrollment growth in the University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System and K-12 public education.

Action Step 1.1.1: Maintain support of the University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, and the North Carolina public school system in regards to continued full funding for enrollment growth.

1. Responsibility: Economic Development Board, the North Carolina Community College System, and the University of North Carolina
2. Deadline: 2005-2008
3. Funding:  NA
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Recommendations made by the Economic Development Board will result in the continued full funding of enrollment growth in all public education systems.

2006 Update

A State Education Lottery was established in 2005 to provide funds for school construction, smaller class sizes, college scholarships, and pre-kindergarten programs. Also in 2005, the legislature appropriated $2 million for the Community College Enrollment Reserve fund, which will aid the community colleges in providing technical training for regional job development. During the 2006 legislative session, the General Assembly outlined the goals of the community college system in HB 583 - which identified the community college system as the lead state agency for workforce development training, literacy, and adult education.

Coordinate and improve the quality of K-16 public education to prepare students for further education and enhanced work opportunities.

Action Step 1.2.1: Support existing programs and create expanded choices for work-based learning opportunities for all students such as community service, job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships that are tied to curriculum objectives.

1. Responsibility: Workforce Development Boards, Local School Boards, the North Carolina Community College System’s’ Board of Trustees, Private Business and the Department of Commerce’s Business and Industry Division
2. Deadline: Ongoing
3. Funding Source: Workforce Investment Act (WIA), local funds, business and industry
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Resources devoted to education and training will be utilized more effectively as students have a more realistic view of careers prior to entry into a specific occupation.  The current return on investment is $4 tax dollars returned for every " paid in student training.      

                                 
2007 Update

The General Assembly provided for a new position - Director of Joint High School-Community College Programs.  This individual is currently working with programs, including Learn and Earn and MiddleCollege and with dual enrollment opportunities.

The Department of Public Instruction is developing curriculum and staff development for teachers to prepare students for future opportunities in the workforce.  A leading example this year was a career pathway guide on Biotechnology was developed with the leadership of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.  The resource for students, parents, and teachers presented career maps for the scientist, laboratory technician, engineer, process technician, maintenance and instrumentation technician and the corporate scientific professional.  The career maps described the groupings of related careers, identified courses needed in high school, the postsecondary options and sample job titles.  The purpose of the resource was to identify career options in the biotechnology field to help create a workforce that meets the needs of the state economy.

The Department of Public Instruction is creating curriculum programs that lead to credentials.  The credential coursework may be completed in high school or started in high school and completed at the community college.  For example, a student can complete the ASE certification exams for Brakes and Electrical in high school and complete two other certifications plus work-based learning experience at the community college level to attain the ASE credential.  There are many other credential areas, such as for the IT and manufacturing industries that are begun or completed in high school. Programs like this improve our graduation rate and help students link education and work in a real world economy.

Action Step 1.2.2: Continue to implement the recommendations developed by the 2002 Commission On Closing the Minority Student Achievement Gap.

1. Responsibility: Department of Public Instruction, local school districts, and the State Board of Education
2. Deadline:Ongoing
3. Funding Source: State and Federal Funds
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Higher student achievement for all students’ results in lower dropout rates and a corresponding drop in costs associated with both underemployment and unemployment. 

                                      
2006 Update

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) created an implementation plan in 2006 for the recommendations of the Advisory Commission on Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps. To promote its objectives DPI hosts an annual conference for approximately 3,500 public school personnel. The Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps Conference was held March 27-29, 2006 to help local school systems develop strategies and identify programs that would address the achievement gap. The conference continues to reflect the goals of the department in improving the quality of public education for all children in North Carolina.

Action Step 1.2.3: Implement the Subcommittee on the Workforce Delivery System’s recommendations.

1. Responsibility: Economic Development Board and recommended parties
2. Deadline: Ongoing
3. FundingSource: N/A or as recommended
4. Expected Outcomes/Return on Investment: A more appropriately structured workforce development service delivery system better prepared to meet the needs of those seeking work and those seeking employees. 

 2006 Update

The Governor created an alliance as recommended by the Subcommittee on the Workforce Development System.

In place of implementing a regional skills alliance plan the Commission on Workforce Development leveraged its resources to help the Piedmont Triad Regional Partnership secure a federal WIRED grant in the winter of 2005. The Piedmont Triad Partnership was awarded one of thirteen national WIRED projects from the Department of Labor, February 1, 2006. The Commission on Workforce Development, in partnership with several other entities, is working on related initiatives for North Carolina to support regional economic sectors. As part of an integrated development strategy, the community college system has actively engaged with local development boards to improve the quality of regional skills implementation plans

Support and advocate for an adjusted funding formula for occupational extension continuing education in the North Carolina Community College System.

Action 1.3.1: Provide $4.2 million to a Customized Industry Training program, based on combining the existing NEIT and FIT programs at the community college level, that would implement strategic applied training programs and services that result in the recovery and retention of jobs and new investments in response to local market needs.

1. Responsibility: Governor, General Assembly
2. Deadline: Ongoing
3. Funding Source: General Fund, Golden L.E.A.F.
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: More targeted training for existing and new industries.

2006 Update

Attained funding for New and Expanding Industry Training and Focused Industrial Programs.  The Customized Industry Training Program was added to provide flexibility for the NCCCS to enhance training for the purpose of stimulating additional capital investment and retention of jobs in North Carolina.

Action1.3.2: Contract with independent consultant to analyze and prioritize course offerings based on local industry needs and the level on demand for certain programs/degrees.

1. Responsibility: North Carolina Community College System
2. Deadline: December 2005
3. Funding Source: NA
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: More efficient use of community college resources; better flexibility for the NCCCS to train people for existing jobs.

2006 Update

As part of an ongoing effort, the NCCCS continues to work with development consultants to analyze and prioritize course offerings and training programs based on local, regional, and statewide industry needs.

Fund an increase in state-of-the-art training equipment to meet the needs of employees and employers seeking to thrive in the new economy.

Action 1.4.1. Advocate and support the North Carolina Community College System’s recommendations to provide additional funding for equipment needs by crafting a letter to the Governor and the General Assembly, as well as, assembling the support of all stakeholders through the Economic Development Board.

1. Responsibility: Economic Development Board Chair
2. Deadline: July 2005 (during legislative session)
3. Funding: NA
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Clearly expressed support leading to passage of legislation that creates equity in funding for high-demand courses, regardless of the time of year.

2006 Update

No letter has been sent in support of community college equipment funding to the General Assembly or Governor. However, the Board will often incorporate its support in a package of items that is interest to them

Action 1.4.2: Provide adequate funding for the NCCCS equipment requests.

1. Responsibility: Governor and the General Assembly
2. Deadline: July 2005
3. Funding Source: General Fund
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment:  Colleges will be able to provide the necessary training to business and industry in order to retain and attract employers.

2007 Update

Additional funding was provided for nursing programs and is being used to purchase equipment and supplies and supplement salaries, thereby providing enhancement to a program that trains students for a critical workforce need. Allied Health funding received a boost to increase training for those interested in entering that arena.

Additional funding  from the NC General Assembly was obtained in 2006 for community college equipment needs.  Funding was also provided for specialized supplies at the BioNetwork Capstone Center and at the Kannapolis Research Campus for Rowan Cabarrus Biotechnology Training Center and greenhouse.

Position North Carolina as an international leader in science, math, and technology-based education and increase the number of scientists, engineers, and technicians produced through increased investment in North Carolina’s public schools, the North Carolina Community College System, the University of North Carolina and private universities.  

Action1.5.1: Create a statewide Task Force organized by Education Cabinet, comprised of individuals from the Department of Commerce, the Department of Public Instruction, the North Carolina Community College System, the University System, private universities, the Commission on Workforce Development, and the business community to return recommendations to the Education Cabinet and the Economic Development Board.

1. Responsibility:  Commission on Workforce Development, Department of Commerce, and Department of Public Instruction, Education Cabinet
2. Deadline: December 2005
3. Funding Source: N/A
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: Solid recommendations from the Task Force to the Economic Development Board to be developed further by appropriate Board committees and State agencies, such as the University of North Carolina, the North Carolina Community College System, and the Workforce Commission leading to an enhancement of Math, Science, and Technology education and increased numbers of individuals in these occupations produced in North Carolina.

2006 Update

This taskforce was never formed.

Action 1.5.2: Make changes in the existing workforce training process to correct barriers to technology-oriented training (NC Community College System FTE limits and competitiveness) and fast track the development of critically needed technology-trained workers.

1. Responsibility:  The Economic Development Board, the North Carolina Community College System, the Biotechnology Center, NCEITA and the General Assembly
2. Deadline:  January 2006
3. Funding Source:  Increases in FTE rates for technology-based training at community colleges will be required.
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment:  Wage rates for technology trained workers will significantly exceed prevailing wage rates in the area; tech- oriented firms will have access to trained employees critically needed to meet business growth opportunities.

2007 Update

To accommodate technology-oriented training the NCCCS has taken significant measures to fast track the development of critically needed skilled workers.  Funds were allocated and work is proceeding on an online teaching and learning platform for distance education, an online helpdesk, an expansion of the NC Information highway and two new centers for the development of distance education centers.

A new position was created in the North Carolina Community System-  BioNetwork Industry Liaison to assist in the recruitment and training of BioTech businesses in North Carolina. 

The new Customized Industry Training program has enhanced the existing NEIT and FIT programs at the community college level, resulting in the recovery and retention of jobs and new investments in response to local market needs.  This program specifically deals with training for new technology and jobs that result in increased wages.

Action 1.5.3. Support continued funding ($7.1 million) for the NCCCS BioNetwork Program.

1. Responsibility:  the General Assembly
2. Deadline: September 2006
3. Funding Source:  Legislative Appropriation
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment: More workers with training in science, technology, and biotechnology who are able to fill the growing industry need for skilled labor.

2006 Update

The NCCCS BioNetwork Program was established in 2004 to provide training at community colleges for workers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. Because of generous funding by the Golden Leaf Foundation the program was initially able to purchase training equipment and to offer both online and hands-on training to its students. In 2006, the General Assembly appropriated recurring funds of $7.1 million to provide the program with further resources to expand.

Advocate and support the development of regional skills alliances that are public/private ventures to ensure workers have the training they need to meet the demands of the current and future workplace.

Action 1.6.1: Under the direction of the Commission on Workforce Development, in cooperation with the state community college system, local community colleges, workforce development boards, and regional economic development partnerships will be the development of a regional skills alliance implementation plan.

1. Responsibility: Roger Shackleford, Executive Director for the Commission on Workforce Development
2. Deadline:  April 2005
3. Funding Source:  Existing/NA
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment:  A concise and well-crafted implementation plan outlining the ways in which North Carolina may establish regional skills alliances.

2007 Update

WIRED, a Piedmont Triad Initiative, continues to identify workforce needs by using focus groups consisting of education entities and private businesses. 

The Advanced Materials Industrial Cluster, centered at Wilkes Community College, continues to look at the gaps in workforce training for this vital industry sector.

Two new Regional Customized Training Directors have been hired to serve in the Northeast and Southeast economic development regions of North Carolina.  These Directors are adding to the community colleges’ capacity to look at regional training needs for the workforce.

Action 1.6.2: The Commission on Workforce Development and the Workforce Development and Education Committee, along with the entire Economic Development Board, will reach agreement on a regional skills alliance implementation plan.

1. Responsibility: The Economic Development Board, the Commission on Workforce Development and the Workforce Development and Education Committee
2. Deadline: June 2005
3. Funding Source: NA
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment:  Adoption of a clear implementation plan for the establishment of industry-led regional skills alliances.

2006 Update

The regional skills alliance plan was never written and no further action was taken on this action step.

Action 1.6.3: Implement the plan to develop industry-led regional skills alliances.

1. Responsibility:  The Economic Development Board and the Commission on Workforce Development
2. Deadline:  September 2006-2008
3. Funding Source:  TBA in Implementation Plan
4. Expected Outcome/Return on Investment:  Establishment of industry-led regional skills alliances in each of the seven economic development partnership regions.

2006 Update

The regional skills alliance plan was never developed and no further action was taken on this step.