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As technology continues to advance and the current workforce ages, research shows that he gaps in employment skills in the United States are a critical topic for business and educations leaders.  Despite a large number of unemployed individuals, the research shows that companies still have difficulty filling middle and high-skilled positions.  The research also projects that jobs requiring an associate degree will grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college education.  Literature confirms that the baby boomers are retiring in large numbers and the current workforce does not have the skilled workers needed to fill the jobs and the older workers do not want to gain the new skills.  It is crucial for business and education to devleop parnternships to close the gap between the skills that employers need and the skills that Americans have, in order for the U.S. to compete globally.  The literature also suggests that community colleges play a key role in providing the academic and applied learning environment that meets the needs of employers.  The Obama Administration is calling for community colleges to graduate an additional 5 million students by 2020.  Community colleges have a unique role in graduating students who are connected to the real world and employers.  Also, community colleges can create programs that meet the needs of employers such as certifications and specific training programs.

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The Root of the Skills Gap Infographic

What if what's missing are skilled workers to fill them? And, what if the very thing to help us take a step towards a solution is additional education? How would people becoming more qualified in the right areas where there are true employment gaps affect the unemployment rate, the skills deficit and the economy?

The Root of the Skills Gap Infographic points out the problem: there are too many jobs that are going unfilled for which the unemployed are ill-prepared or inadequately trained for. Historically, the skills gap has primarily been contained to the fields of information technology, engineering and healthcare; but recently, it has spread to include those skilled trades that fall under manufacturing and logistics, even finance and accounting. There is a huge opportunity for businesses, schools and job seekers alike to change the course we are headed in as a nation. The time is now, and it starts with awareness.

Via: www.randstadusa.com

Embed This Education Infographic on your Site or Blog! Copy and Paste the following code!

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The Root of the Skills Gap Infographic - e-Learning Infographics

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What if what's missing are skilled workers to fill them? And, what if the very thing to help us take a step towards a solution is additional education? How would people becoming more qualified in the right areas where there are true employment gaps affect the unemployment rate, the skills deficit and the economy?

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Popular Professions Among Graduates in 2014 Infographic

Popular Professions Among Graduates in 2014

According to the Popular Professions Among Grades in 2014 Infographic, in the lingering aftermath of the Great Recession, recent college graduates are having a tough time of it. As state aid for education has fallen, student loans have risen, leading to crippling levels of debt - the average in recent years has been about $23,300 though that figure may have climbed to more than $29,000. Although the unemployment rate for those with a bachelor's degree or higher declined in 2013, many recent college graduates are still struggling to find their desired jobs.

US Top 5 Most Popular Careers for 2014

Top 5 Occupations with the Most Job Openings (Graduate Degree)

Top 5 Occupations with the Most Job Openings (Bachelor's Degree)

Top 5 Associate's Degree or Post-secondary Vocational Award

Via: www.essaymama.com

Embed This Education Infographic on your Site or Blog! Copy and Paste the following code!

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Popular Professions Among Graduates in 2014 Infographic - e-Learning Infographics

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According to the Popular Professions Among Grades in 2014 Infographic, in the lingering aftermath of the Great Recession, recent college graduates are having a tough time of it. As state aid for education has fallen, student loans have risen, leading to crippling levels of debt - the average in recent years has been about $23,300 though that figure may have climbed to more than $29,000.

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Look at additional training programs and outcomes.

Gather more information on specific gaps in employability skills in PA.

Contribute to Advanced Manufacturing marketing campaign at D.C.C.C.

Research specific types of jobs, manufacturing, construction, CAD.

Refine research questions and are of study further.

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Further research on the perceptions of career and technical education is needed.

Research about attitudes of students, families, teachers and guidance counselors is

essential to understanding what influences students entering specific programs.  Employer

collaboration needs to be addressed and more information about what employers are doing

to bridge the skills gap is needed.

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Almost one-third of all job openings between 2010 and 2020 will require a certification, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. Community Colleges enroll more students than any other institution of higher education and are in a unique position to adapt programs to meet employer's needs. Despite high unemployment numbers, employers still claim that they can not fill middle and higher level skilled positions.  The  preliminary idea for this research is to examine ways to develop collaboration between employers, community colleges and high school students to enroll more students in programs that currently are in high demand? This study will reveal reasons for skills gaps and unemployment as well as program that are in place to connect students and employers.   This study will further reveal the perceptions of CTE and what factors influence student enrollment.

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Enrollments in CTE related programs at Delaware County Community College are declining.  Employers needing middle-skilled and high-skilled candidates is increasing.  I propose to find ways to attract students to programs where they can gain the academic, technical and employability skills that are needed in the 21st century workforce.  This will be an asset to employers as well as community colleges in Pennsylvania.

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In order for Pennsylvania to meet the needs of employers with middle-skilled and high-skilled jobs that are

in demand, it is critical the employers, community colleges and high schools find way to market and enroll students in Career and Technical Education.

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Career and Technical Education

Employment Skills Gaps

Community College Partnerships

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Career and Technical Education historically referred to as vocational education plays an integral role in developing the U.S. workforce since the 1880s. Originally, CTE included apprenticeship programs as well as on the jobtraining. Vocational education students were intended to graduate from highschool and go directly to work.  In 1917, a law was enforced that supported vocational education being less than college grade (Stern, 2010).  As recent as 1998, vocation education was still regarded as less than college level.  In 2006, “vocational and technical” education became known as “career and technical” education.  The shift in wording has helped change the thinking that career and technical education is to prepare students for postsecondary education instead of the perception that students taking CTE programs were notentering postsecondary education.

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Career and Technical Education: formerly called "vocational education",  a term applied to schools, institutions, and educational programs that specialize in the skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation

Secondary Education: refers to education after primary education and is typically middle school, high school and technical schools.

Postsecondary Education:  this is a third level of education, typically in colleges and universities.

Middle-skilled jobs:  Jobs that require some education beyond high school but less than a bachelor's degree.

Workforce Development:  an economic development approach with the goal of improving an areas economic strength.

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A literature review will highlight the background of Career and Technical Education

and the skills employers are looking for in today's candidates.  Specific types of unemployment

will be addressed for information on the causes of unemployment. Programs that connect employers

to education will be reviewed for current trends and outcomes.

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National Center for Education Statistics

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National Center for Education Statistics

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education statistics questions and answers

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The NCES Fast Facts Tool provides quick answers to many education questions (National Center for Education Statistics). Get answers on Early Childhood Education, Elementary and Secondary Education and Higher Education here.

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Revised

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http://money.cnn.com/2014/11/11/investing/michael-bloomberg-advice-become-a-plumber/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

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1. What are the perceptions of students at community colleges in Pennsylvania about CTE programs?

2. Who are the people who have influenced career decision making of students entering community colleges?

3. What marketing and advising strategies do high schools and community colleges in Pennsylvania useto attract students to CTE programs?

4. What programs are currently in place with employers, community colleges and high schools to connect and combat the skills gaps?  Are they working?

5. What are the employment skills that employers want in candidates?