SKILL PANEL REPORT California's Water Industry - Cuyamaca ...

SKILL PANEL REPORT California’s Water Industry1. A PathwayStudents need a plan for their education, not just access to classes.2. A Peer GroupThe ability to collaborate with peers “struggling with the same material at thesame time” prevents hopelessness and alienation.3. A Mentor“What was really most important in my education was that at key moments I wasable to envision the next step. Usually, I did it with the help of a mentor, or atleast someone who'd taken that next step before I had. The journey was personalbut guided.”Pooja Sankar:Rethinking the OnlineEducation RevolutionThere are numerous pathway programs across the U.S. that embody Sankar’srecommendations. One of these programs, the BioWork Certificate Program inNorth Carolina, is recognized as an example of best practices based on its highretention, completion and job placement rates. 11 What also makes it unique isthe level of interaction between students and workers, to each one’s benefit.BIOWORKBiogen Idec, GlaxoSmithKline andBayer collaborated with North CarolinaBiotechnology Center and NorthCarolina Community Colleges to createthe program.The 128 hour course trains workers forentry level jobs at 200 life sciencescompanies in North CarolinaCompanies help with coursedevelopment and provide state-ofthe-artequipment to the colleges forhands on trainingMultiple community colleges providethe courseComputer literacy, teamwork, timemanagement, and problem solvingare integrated into the curriculumThe course also provides a job marketoverview, job search tools andstrategies, resume preparation,and interviewing practiceCompanies send their own workers tothe program for specialized trainingCompany managers and engineersvisit classes, advise students on careeropportunities, and discuss technicaland organizational issuesAverage salary in North Carolina’slife sciences industry is higher thanthe state averageThe program has attracted other lifesciences companies to North Carolina12