The Leading Edge of Economic & Workforce
Development
Vision: “Develop and support partnerships among
business, economic development, education, community and government
organizations to strengthen regional economy through dramatic improvements in operations,
education and training.”
Structure and Key Elements: Global Economic & Workforce Development Coalition (GEWDC) is a nonprofit voluntary partnership of interested
stakeholders—business and industry, labor organizations, education and the
public sector—who share the belief that investing in economic and workforce
development is key to becoming world-class competitors. Guided by diverse Executive and Advisory Councils of organizational
CEOs, Managers and Human Resource Managers, subcommittees will address issues
such as barriers to profitability, curriculum and assessment, marketing and
communications, and the certification of national industry clusters skill
standards.
GEWDC focuses
on building a unique workforce skills development and certification system that
links secondary and post secondary education with industry to prepare current
employees and trainees for advanced education, training and employment. Key elements include the following:
·
Create relevant curriculum;
·
Create valid and reliable
assessment tools and procedures; and
·
Create skill certifications that
are widely accepted by industry.
Industry Roles: Business
plays a critical role in the coalition.
Contributions range from serving on Industry Advisory Councils and committees
to providing work-based learning activities for employees, trainees and
teachers. Opportunities include the
following options:
·
Speak to groups of employees, trainees
and/or participate in school Career Days.
·
Provide site tours, job shadowing and
internships for employees, students, trainees, teachers and schools.
·
Participate in focus groups and resource
panels.
·
Integrate national skill standard
development and certification into strategic training plans.
·
Create mentors to support employees, trainees
and/or teacher.
·
Invite trainees/teachers to participate in
your company-sponsored training.
·
Help educate schools/training facilities on
skill requirements for your industry.
·
Contribute materials and/or equipment to
local schools.
·
Extend corporate leadership to serve on
Industry Advisory Councils.
GEWDCinfo@aol.com