Despite recent talk about the worsening condition of the U.S. workforce, more highly skilled workers are still needed to help America maintain its competitive edge. But that insight doesn't exactly constitute a "Eureka!" moment for community college leaders. In reality, community colleges have been working with industry executives and…

This article features the machining technology program at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) of Wilmington, North Carolina. North Carolina's Cape Fear Community College is working to meet diverse industry needs through its CNC training. The school's program has gained the attention of the local manufacturing community and students when it shifted…

This article describes the Applied Engineering Technology (AET) Career and Educational Pathways Program, which helps local manufacturers find quality workers. The program features 32 high schools, three community colleges, and 10 four-year institutions offering an integrated regional system of applied engineering education. The goal is to enroll…

The graduate of the Locksmith apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able to: (1) apply the principles of Locksmithing; (2) handle orders of locks, safes and allied equipment; (3) operate and service the tools and machinery as used in the Locksmith trade; (4) perform the installation of locks and allied equipment; (5)…

With competition to attract quality students into career and technical education programs and many entrants to the workforce inadequately prepared with employability skills, some community colleges have found a way to answer industry's call--they are launching SkillsUSA chapters on campus. In this article, the author features SkillsUSA, a…

The graduate of the Steamfitter-Pipefitter apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able to: (1) install and maintain high pressure and low-pressure steam and hot liquid systems, including various process and industrial systems; (2) fabricate, join and install any pipe system used for various purposes in buildings, using any…

This fact sheet summarizes data gathered in the 2009 survey of National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant recipients. Conducted by The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University, this was the tenth annual survey of ATE projects and centers. Included here are statistics about the program's grantees and…

The goals of the MentorLinks: Advancing Technological Education program, supported by the National Science Foundation and administered by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), are to provide technical assistance and networking opportunities for the purpose of improving community college programs that prepare technicians in the…

Careers in manufacturing are high-wage and high-tech. Yet, a future workforce shortage may be on the horizon. It appears a negative public perception--one that brings to mind low wages, assembly-line work and lay-offs--is thwarting young adults from pursuing manufacturing careers across the country. This article describes how the Wisconsin…

The Illinois Community College Board provided more than $3.3 million to community colleges during fiscal year 2009 to support local workforce and economic development services through their Business and Industry Centers. The workforce development activities conducted under this grant include customized job training on campus or on-site at a…

The graduate of the Carpenter apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able: (1) to responsibly do all work tasks expected of a journeyperson; (2) to supervise, train and coach apprentices; (3) to understand the principles of sound and safe construction; (4) to know the characteristics and proper use of all building…

High-Definition Television (HDTV) is a new standard for broadcasting. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been working on the new standard for many years and has mandated that broadcasting stations be fully operational in HDTV by 2006. This is the dilemma for community colleges as they approach the deadline for the conversion to the…

The graduate of the Welder apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able to: (1) be skillful in the fusing of metals using prescribed welding applications; (2) have a working knowledge of the welding equipment involved with the various welding procedures; (3) comprehend drawings and develop layout patterns for projects and…

The graduate of the Wire Process Operator apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able to: (1) be skillful in the fusing of metals using prescribed welding applications; (2) have a working knowledge of the welding equipment involved with the various welding procedures; (3) comprehend drawings; (4) have a thorough knowledge…

Using a descriptive survey design, a nationally representative sample of community college career and technical deans were asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed awareness and implementation of industry-based skill standards. For those institutions implementing industry-based skill standards, the questionnaire sought additional…