In order to effectively address the workforce challenges related to ensuring that enough workers are trained with the right skills for the 21st century economy, it is critical that key partners come together on an ongoing basis to identify challenges and strategically develop and implement solutions. The partnerships should include, at a minimum, business and industry, the public workforce system, the community college system, and the continuum of education. These partnerships need to focus on the broader array of workforce challenges in the community and not just potential funding available through this grant process.
The full continuum of education consists of institutions in the United States that provide education from kindergarten through advanced degree programs. The K-12 public education system, adult education, community colleges, four year colleges and universities, and graduate and professional schools are all a part of the continuum of education. Because the continuum of education contributes to career awareness and workforce education, there are strong reasons to include them in the context of a workforce strategic partnership. For example, colleges partner with the K-12 system, implementing dual enrollment programs, articulation agreements with vocational training in high schools, and other joint education strategies. For this reason, we have specifically identified them as an important planning partner.
The SGA states that entities in the continuum of education are important foundational partners to ensure the project’s activities are tied to the broader continuum of education in the community. These entities assist in developing and implementing industry-driven workforce education strategies in partnerships with employers including competency models, curricula, and new learning methodologies, including technology-based learning. |
