ERIC Number: ED640928
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 167
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3808-8005-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
An Exploratory Examination of the Impact of Maine's Educational Programs on the Skilled Labor Force
Derryen Morgan Plante
ProQuest LLC, D.B.A. Dissertation, Northcentral University
The problem to be addressed by this study is that Maine's workforce is facing a significant shortage of skilled labor which is impacting the sustainability and growth of Maine's economy. The shortage of skilled workers extends from trades to medical professionals and is worsened by Maine's unique demographical and geographical factors. In response to Maine's declining skilled workforce, the purpose of this exploratory case study was to investigate how Maine's Community Colleges and Career and Technical Education programs are addressing the factors contributing to the shortage of skilled labor across Maine industries and provide recommendations for improvement or expansion. The population for this study was all students and educators at Maine Community Colleges and Career and Technical Education programs in the state of Maine. The sample obtained from the target population included 84 students, over the age of 18, who are currently enrolled at a Maine Community College, 55 faculty and staff from Maine Community Colleges or Career and Technical Education programs, and 3 designated as other. The research found the most significant factor preventing student enrollment in the skilled workforce from the perspective of both students and faculty was "Lack of Knowledge". Additionally, the results found the factor with the most significant impact on students' decision to remain in Maine after completing their educational program was "Closer to Family". Through open-response questions, participants reported the top three efforts that could be made to increase interest and enrollment in educational programs for the skilled labor force were "Increase Access to Programs", "Marketing and Promotion", and "Reintroduce Middle School Programs. Finally, participants reported the top three efforts that could be made to encourage students to live and work in Maine following graduation were "Better Wages and Benefits", "Increase Industry Partnerships", "Offer More Paths to Employment". [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: State Programs, Labor Force Development, Skilled Workers, Community Colleges, Vocational Education, Community College Students, Enrollment, Access to Education
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maine
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A