On Thursday, September 24th, 2015, over 365 Industry and Educational leaders from 38 Advisory Committees gathered at the Seminole campus for the 2015 Workforce Connections Advisory Committee Kick-off Event.
32 of these Advisory Committees held their fall meeting either prior to or after the event, which was broken up into two sessions – a breakfast and dinner.
Dr. Law welcomed our guests and shared that industry’s involvement is critical to ensuring SPC’s programs are effective in meeting the professional and employment needs of our area. Dr. Krupp spoke about preparing students for the workforce and “Ways to Plug In”.
Angie Beltz, Vice President of Cisco Solutions at Tech Data gave a testimonial stating that “I absolutely would recommend St. Petersburg College … The people that I have engaged with there are phenomenal. They’re so open to really doing what’s best for the student and creating an environment and an educational process that gives the student the tools they are going to need when they get out into the workplace. The more we can influence faculty in some of these concepts and types of curriculum, the more effectively we’ll be able to close the talent skills gap in the Tampa Bay area.”
Tech Data has hired 35 graduates in recent years. Giny Kapili, a student in the College of Computer and Information Technology shared her experience of being part of the original cohort of the Exploratory Lab with Tech Data. Dr. Connolly then shared the roadmap for the new Workforce Institute, highlighting a year in review.
Dr. Cooper closed the event by once again thanking Advisory Committee members for their commitment to the students of St. Petersburg College.
Advisory Committees assists with aligning education and industry by performing five major functions:
- Assessing how the program meets the current occupational needs of the employers.
- Reviewing and making recommendations on programs curriculum, including industry certifications, and recommended equipment purchases.
- Providing input to help prepare students for work in their chosen field.
- Expanding and enhancing St. Petersburg College’s reputation in the community by fostering positive community relationships.
- Assisting in recruiting, providing internships and placing qualified graduates in appropriate jobs.
Ways for Advisory Committee Members to Plug In:
- Share your industry’s current and future occupational training needs
- Review program curriculum, industry certifications, equipment, facilities and student performance
- Be a wise and trusted mentor to a student
- Participate in events on campus to hire SPC students
- Participate as an industry speaker
- Offer apprenticeships in targeted fields
- Open your business to student tours
- Offer student internships
- Foster community relations
- Participate in exploratory labs
- Participate in mock interviews
For more information on the Advisory Committees please contact, Marilyn Browne, browne.marilyn@spcollege.edu or call 727-341-7187