Workforce Advisory Council
Workforce Advisory Council
Purpose Statement
To develop our area’s future workforce by providing students and their families with a deeper understanding of career opportunities and aligning skills with current workforce needs; engaging employers directly with students, education and training providers; and better-aligning programs and curriculum to the realities of the SE Iowa economy.
Main objectives
· Improve the ability to recruit a skilled and able local workforce
· Provide an avenue for area businesses and educational institutions to effectively work together and understand each other’s needs and processes
· Maintain an Advisory Council structure that is inclusive and encourages collaboration between higher education institutions, K-12 educators and business leaders.
· Pursue heightened engagement from more schools in the area, including homeschool community
· Assure that tracking is in place to measure impact for all projects
The Approach
· Provide tools that help students discover their interests and aptitudes to help guide their school and career choices
· Change the conversation FROM “where do I want to go to college?” TO “what do I want to do?”
· Provide tools that help students develop work-ready and marketable skills while in high school then pursue higher education path
· Align programs and tools with high demand, good pay opportunities in local marketplace
Proposed Talent Pipeline Projects/Activities for 2019-20: (Theme – Heighten Visibility. “The Future You”)
· Grand Hank Magic & Wonders of STEM – Feb. 11-12 Target audience: 7 thru 10 grade
· Support STEM Festival – Feb. 22
· 5th & 8th Grade Career Exploration Days – March 16 – 18, 2020
· Senior Signing Day
· 30 Under 30 – Trained Young Professional Speakers Bureau
· Careers promotional video project
· Complete and distribute AIM (Asset Inventory Map) identify Tools/Resource & Programs/Initiatives in place in Des Moines County, including business, education and non-profits
· Pilot - CEO in Classroom to 8th grade – fall 2019 – survey educators and students to assess impact/value.
Additional projects - Transforming the Talent Pipeline:
· Teacher Externships
· Pilot - Guided Pathways and/or credential program and assess impact
· Mentors to students with emphasis identified career fields
· Red Carpet Industry Tours (teachers)
For more information on the Workforce Advisory Council please contact Dustin Roth.