@ WDS E-Newsletter - February 2006
Meet the WDS System Office Staff!

Special message from the Vice Chancellor
System Office Updates
College Submissions
Calendar of Events
Workforce Development Academy
General News/Highlights

System Office Updates:

• Read the Legislative Line, a website created by the Office of Institutional Advancement highlighting the General Assembly session and legislative issues we are tracking.

• The System Office Workforce Development Services division is proud to announce that the Online Community/website for administrators/coordinators of WDS initiatives/programs has been launched to its first group – Career Coaches.

• Congratulations to the Region 2000 Tech Prep program led by WDS at Central Virginia Community College.  The college’s Nuclear Technologies Education initiative was selected for presentation at a U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee roundtable.  Bob Bailey, CVCC Tech Prep Director is leading today’s presentation on Capital Hill.
  
  The Nuclear Technologies Education initiative brings together CVCC and Areva, a world leader in the design and construction of nuclear power plants.  Through the Nuclear Engineering career pathway, CVCC works with area middle and high schools to improve student performance in science, mathematics, and technologies, provide professional development for educators, assess student skill sets against industry benchmarks, and offer summer career camps and student internship opportunities.

• Thanks to Joann Cage (SSVCC), Lester Smith and Kelly Snell (BRCC), Mia Fittz (VWCC), Betty Domjahn (VHCC) and Charlie Mitchell (PVCC) for their contributions in refining a statewide career pathways framework.  This Tech Prep tool for guidance counselors and career coaches maps out business and industry endorsed plans of study for four years of high school and two years of community college.  The frameworks are targeted to students seeking both a college degree and job placement in the skilled and technical workforce.  For more information on this project, contact Elizabeth Creamer at ecreamer@vccs.edu.

• Career Coach Best Practice of the Month! Minisa Chapman Huls, Career Coach Jamestown High School (TNCC), recently created a monthly career seminar series for juniors and seniors in the Williamsburg-James City County School Division.  Seminar topics have included strategies for success in transitioning to college, decision making as related to college and career choice, and career exploration. 

  Ms. Chapman-Huls follows up with all students attending the popular lunch time seminars through invitations for personal career planning and through E-mails that include links to career resources selected specifically for each student’s interests and goals.  Ms. Chapman-Huls is also working on a Web site that will provide seminar participants with opportunities to collaborate and share their career journey. 

  Kudos to Minisa on her Career Coaches “Best Practice” of the month!

• System Office Institutional Advancement Update

• System Office ITS Newsletter

• Where are Middle Colleges located?

• Path to Industry Certification Grids, http://www.vccs.edu/workforce/institutes/P2IC.htm

College Submissions

• Blue Ridge Community College
  
  High Performance Manufacturing Program Graduates Ten
  On January 26, ten students were recognized for having completed the 126 hour High Performance Manufacturing program offered through BRCC’s Division of Workforce Services and Continuing Education (WSCE).  Students in the program came from five different companies, including American Safety Razor; Precision Fabricators, Inc.; Hollister, Inc.; Howell Metal Company, and Virginia Panel Corporation.  These ten graduates bring the total number of graduates from this program to 78.  As the use of technology steadily increases in production of equipment and other manufacturing processes, BRCC is happy to be able to offer this non-credit program to help meet employer demand for high skilled workers.

  Nine Students Become Certified Carpet Installers
  The rapid growth of the construction industry has resulted in a high demand for certified carpet installers.  On January 26, nine students received their Orcon Carpet Installation Certificate after completing a five-week program offered through BRCC’s Division of Workforce Services and Continuing Education.  The program topics included an explanation of how carpet is made and covered the minimum standards for installation.  Students were shown how to properly cut, seal, make seams, and use proper stretching techniques to insure warranties are valid.  The Certified Carpet Installers program is yet another facet of WSCE’s effort to meet the needs of Valley employers.

  Fourteen Enroll in the Career Switchers Program at BRCC
  Response to BRCC’s announcement in the fall of 2005 as a Regional Site for the Career Switchers program has been enthusiastic, with fourteen students beginning their course work in January.  Nine are preparing to teach Math or Science, while another five are preparing to teach English as a Second Language.  The Career Switcher program at BRCC is coordinated through the College’s Division of Workforce Services and Continuing Education.

• Central Virginia Community College
  
  CVCC will receive $130,000 from a $2.3 Million grant awarded to the University of Missouri to establish a radiation protection technology lab on CVCC’s campus. CVCC will also be working with the University of Missouri to establish an AAS in Radiation Protection Technology here at CVCC.
  
  University Wins $2.3 Million Grant to Train Prospective Radiation Protection Workers
  
  The US Department of Labor (DOL) is awarding a $2.3 million grant to the University of Missouri in response to the energy industry’s need for well-trained radiation protection technicians.  The grant is part of $14 million the DOL has allocated to train workers in several states—Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming—for careers in a variety of energy-industry sectors, including coal, oil, and natural gas. This funding is part of larger investments made to support the nation’s energy work force under the president’s High-Growth Job Training Initiative, a strategic plan to prepare workers for jobs in expanding industries.
  
  “It’s good to be able to have the support to address this important need for the industry,” said William Miller, Health Physics Society member and faculty member in the Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia. “It helps to ensure the safe use of nuclear materials, both for nuclear industry workers and for the public. This funding was the result of a collaborative effort among many partners (including the Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute at Missouri University, Linn State Technical College and its Advanced Technology Center, Ameren’s Callaway Nuclear Power Plant, the Nuclear Energy Institute, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, and our four partner utilities and associated technical schools). This partnership was responsible for our success in receiving this funding. It will enable us to make an impact on the need for radiation technician education and training to insure the safe utilization of radiation for society.” 
  
  The University of Missouri and its partners from the nuclear sector will establish a Center of Excellence for Radiation Protection Technology Education and Training. The center will develop an associate of applied science degree in nuclear technology program that will be disseminated to a network of community colleges throughout the country. “A pipeline of skilled radiation protection technicians will be crucial to the nuclear energy sector’s growth,” said Emily Stover DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training. “The program the University of Missouri is developing with its private-sector partners will prepare up to 200 workers throughout the country for jobs in this critical field.” Radiation protection technicians play an essential role in keeping radiation levels safe inside nuclear power plants. Studies show that up to 57 percent of these technical workers will retire within the next five years, according to DOL. 
  
  The DOL grant is the result of a nearly two-year effort in conjunction with numerous other organizations and member companies, including several companies and universities that also are partners on the grant— AmerenUE, AREVA, Arizona Public Service Co., Bartlett Services Inc., Central Virginia Community College, Linn State Technical College, Southern California Edison, TXU, and University of Missouri.

• Community College Workforce Alliance
  
  CCWA will be hosting two workshops focusing on the Business of People. The first workshop will be held on February 23 rd, 2006, www.socplas.org and will be co-sponsored by the Society of the Plastics Industry. This one will focus on how companies can develop systematic processes that get the right people into a company; ensures these people have the right skills to support production; ensures there are back-up employees for critical positions; and guarantees production leaders have the employees they need, when they need them, to support production and include Senior Executives discussing one of the most relevant topics of the day—the affect of the People on successful mergers and acquisitions.

  The second will be a two day event held on March 8 & 9, 2006 and co-hosted by the Association of Manufacturing Excellence. www.ame.org. The extended program will include a Plant Tour highlighting best practices by the Hon Company of Chester, Virginia and Senior Executives discussing how to create and maintain a culture of continuous improvement through implementing Lean Manufacturing programs.

  For more information or to register for either of these sessions please e-mail kjonas@tmgva.com or call Kevin Jonas, at 804-241-0872.

• Piedmont Virginia Community College
  

  Gabriele Rausse, third from left, poses with the first graduates of PVCC’s viticulture and enology certificate programs Feb. 3 at the college. Fifteen students completed the programs. Rausse, one of the principal instructors, came to Virginia from Italy in the 1970s to cultivate grapes and make wine.  Although his plans initially were met with skepticism, he became a key figure in the wine industry renaissance in Virginia. Rausse reminded the graduates that an Italian acquaintance of Thomas Jefferson was among the first to see possibilities for wine making in the colonies.

  The viticulture and enology program at PVCC began as a pilot program in 2004 with an Institutes of Excellence grant from the VCCS. The curriculum was developed in answer to the needs of the Monticello Wine Trail vineyards and wineries. Citing the need for qualified workers, vineyard owners and managers recommended expanding the program to include additional courses in vineyard management and winemaking.  The viticulture program includes a series of courses on growing grapes and managing the vineyard.  The enology program includes courses on wine making, wine tasting and marketing strategies.  Students take all of the courses in the series to earn a noncredit certificate.  Teaching the courses are experts in vineyard management, wine making and marketing from regional vineyards and wineries.  Local vineyards and wineries host the classes, giving the students experience in the industry at a variety of operations. Classes are offered on Saturdays, and include lunch and a wine tasting at the host vineyard or winery.

  
  
• Rappahannock Community College
  

  Marine Trades
  Workforce & Community Development (WCD) offers ABYC certifications for marine industry professionals.  Basic Engine, Electrical, and Diesel certifications are being offered again in Feb. 2006.   A new offering--- Gasoline certification--has been added this year.   Plans are underway to add Corrosion certification in 2007.  Also, plans are underway for a high school dual enrollment program for the Northern Neck in Fall ’06.

  Command Spanish
  WCD receives a huge reponse for Command Spanish.  Over 20 Northern Neck Head Start teachers recently participated in Command Spanish to assist Hispanic students and parents.

  Special Education Institute -- Highly Qualified
  WCD spearheaded the development of a credit program for special education elementary, middle and high school teachers.  Teachers are required to be "highly qualified" by July 2006.  RCC receives over 200 enrollments for this program. 

  WCD/Glenns Campus
  A new facility opens at the Glenns Campus.  Facility capabilities are-- multipurpose room that includes video conferencing and wireless laptops, workforce offices, two industrial labs, and computer/lecture room, and kitchen facility.
  

• Tidewater Community College
  
  Tidewater Community College's Workforce Development division, in partnership with Greenville Technical College in Greenville, South Carolina will launch its new RN Refresher Program in April. The hybrid program consists of 120 hours of on-line instruction and 64 contact hours in the clinical lab. It is intended for registered nurses with a current, active license who have been out of practice for some time and are in need of updating their skills. For more information, contact Ms. Rebecca Yingling, Director of Continuing Education, 757-822-1402.
  
  Tidewater Community College Workforce Development The Academy for Nonprofit Excellence is pleased to announce its first three graduates. Donna Smith, Executive Director of the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association, Theresa Dorre, Vice President for Administration at Angel Flight, Mercy Medical Airlift, and David Hilliard, Executive Director for the National Center for Career Exploration have earned the Certificate in Nonprofit Management. The Academy, a partnership between The Norfolk Foundation and Tidewater Community College, debuted in January 2005 after several years of planning and research. Its goal is to provide ongoing training that will enhance the work of the hundreds of nonprofit organizations serving residents of Hampton Roads. Individuals who complete 10 CEUs earn the certificate. http://www.tcc.edu/wd/academy
  
  
• Virginia Highlands Community College
  2006 AchieveNET Regional Meeting
  
  
• Wytheville Community College - WOW!
  
  

  On the weekend of January 27, 28, and 29, 2006 Wytheville Community College (WCC) hosted a Regional Job Fair. The event was planned and conducted through the efforts of the local Industrial Development Authority, Virginia Employment Commission, Department of Social Services, Department of Business Assistance and WCC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Office. The Job Fair was an outstanding success in several ways: Thirty-three employers staffed booth exhibits to communicate their needs and interests to the job seekers. Nearly 2,100 applicants attended. Thirty-one percent of the applicants were unemployed. Originally a two day event, the Fair was extended to a third day before day one was completed. All (100%) of the employers were satisfied with the job seekers Nearly all (94%) felt the event was well organized All (100%) said they would participate in future job fairs conducted by the organizing sponsors. Needless to say, WCC staff had many opportunities to network with employers and job seekers to promote credit and non-credit courses at the College.

  In early December, the Continuing Education / Workforce Development Staff at Wytheville CC and the Department of Social Services Staff for Carroll and Grayson Counties developed a class to assist DSS Clients.

  Designed to improve job search skills, this one credit class is being offered at The Crossroads Institute in Galax. Ms. Linda Phipps is the Instructor.

  The first class of 12 students began January 6 th and met on four consecutive Fridays. Subjects included Communications, Team Building, Ethics, and Job Readiness Skills (Resume Writing, Interviewing and Key Train Tutorials). On the fifth Friday, five of the students took the CRC tests.
  Here is the terrific news…..all five of those tested qualified for a CRC. The breakdown is as follows: Gold – 1; Silver – 3; and Bronze – 1.

  The second class began February 3 rd. It is expected that one class will be conducted each month and that the program will reach well over one hundred DSS clients this year. The goal is an improvement in the welfare-to-work conversion rate. All costs are being paid by the DSS offices.

WDS Calendar of Events (February/March/April):

• February 21 – Advisory Council of Presidents (ACOP), Richmond
• February 22 – Advisory Council of Presidents (ACOP), Richmond
• February 23 – Tech Prep Grant Writing Workshop, Richmond
• February 24 - Perkins Grant Writing Workshop and Directors Meeting, Richmond
• March 3 - IT Skills Standard Workshop, Richmond
• March 6-7 – Apprenticeship/CRC Peer Meeting ( Charlottesville)
• March 7 – 9 to 10 a.m. WDS Advisory Council Steering Committee Conference Call to Plan April Meeting
• March 7 - 10 to 11 a.m. ASR+ WDS Joint Committee Conference Call to Plan April Meeting
• March 8 – Tech Prep Grant Writing Workshop, Roanoke, VA
• March 9 – Perkins Grant Writing Workshop, Roanoke, VA
• March 15 – State Board Meeting, South Boston
• March 16 – State Board Meeting, South Boston
• March 19 - 22, League for Innovations, Atlanta
• March 23 – 24 – Vice Presidents/Provosts (ASAC) Meeting, Williamsburg
• March 28 – Virginia Workforce Council, Richmond
• March 28 – Grant Writing Workshop, PVCC
• March 31 – Foundation Leadership Conference, Charlottesville
• April 4 – Technology Council Spring Meeting, Roanoke
• April 5 – Technology Council Spring Meeting, Roanoke
• April 5-7 – New Horizons Conference
• April 7 – WDS Advisory Council meeting, Roanoke
• April 13 – WDS System Office, Team Meeting
• April 18 – Advisory Council of Presidents (ACOP), Richmond
• April 19 – Advisory Council of Presidents (ACOP), Richmond
• April 22 – 26, AACC National Convention, Long Beach

Workforce Development Academy:

• Professional in Workforce Development certification now available!  For more information on the application process and requirements, contact Barbara Kessler at 434-243-5337 or bkessler@virginia.edu .
  
  
• Workforce Development Professional Competencies Summer 2006 Institute will be held in July in Charlottesville, Virginia.  This one-week residential program is focused on enhancing your skills as a successfully workforce development practitioner.  Program details will be confirmed soon.  Contact Barbara Kessler at 434-243-5337 or bkessler@virginia.edu for more information.

General News/Highlights:

• Enrollment Squeeze
  Virginia 's community colleges cope with increasing demand and a changing world
  
  
• Community college incentive advances
  Richmond Times Dispatch - Jan 26, 2006
  BY GARY ROBERTSON. Like the idea of paying the equivalent of community college tuition at a four-year college? Then you should be smiling at legislation that sailed through the Senate Education and Health Committee yesterday
  
  
• College students say state is shirking tuition promises
  Daily Press – Feb. 10, 2006
  In a show of political force, students deliver thousands of petitions to lawmakers seeking more education funding. RICHMOND -- The boxes were piled six feet high, one for each state lawmaker, filled with petitions
  
  
• Bill offers aid to community college grads
  Cavalierdaily.com – Feb. 10, 2006
  The Virginia Senate unanimously passed a bill Tuesday which would create the Community College Transfer Grant Program Fund, according to the General Assembly's legislative database.
  

• The Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE) is launching its new and exciting Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program and is now recruiting 40 first-year community college students for its first scholarship recipients.
  
  
• VCCS Career Switcher Program
  The VCCS Career Switcher Program is a statewide program offering a fast track to teacher licensure for those with bachelor’s degrees and five years of work experience.  It is one of a handful of Career Switcher Programs approved by the Virginia Department of Education.  The program is offering endorsements in mathematics and science at the middle and high school levels.  Foreign language and English as a Second Language endorsement areas will be piloted in the Spring 2006 cohort.  A statewide network of information and referral is available through nine regional advisors located around the state.  For the Fall 2005 group, five VCCS colleges are offering once per month compressed video sessions.