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Skills Gap Symposium March 5, 2012

The economic vitality of Buncombe and Madison counties depends on the availability of a highly-trained workforce. On March 5, 2012, nearly 100 employers gathered at A-B Tech's Enka site to identify their skills gaps, and discuss how to increase their pool of trained prospects while lowering an unemployment rate hovering between 8 and 9 percent. In addition to A-B Tech, sponsors of The Skills Gap Symposium included the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Coalition of Asheville-Buncombe County and UNC Asheville. Thanks to Linda Brandt, LB Marketing Services, for facilitating the discussion. Here is what participants had to say.

Skills Identified as Needed A Range of Soft Skills 1. Punctuality 2. Ability to smile 3. Basic work ethic 4. Be coachable 5. Positive attitude 6. Initiative 7. Willing to learn 8. Ability to grasp new concepts quickly 9. Basic problem-solving 10. Dedication

11. Flexibility 12. Critical Thinking 13. Self-esteem 14. Teamwork 15. Ability to apply and transfer knowledge to

new situations 16. Ability to develop a good fit with the

company culture 17. Have a sense of ownership and

engagement 18. Have a sense of drive and purpose

A-B Tech offers the following courses to meet soft skills training needs:

• ASPIRE – A soft skills ‘boot camp’ that mirrors workplace expectations in the classroom and prepares students to overcome personal barriers to success, find, keep and excel in the workplace.

• Essential Workplace Skills – Learn the essential skills employers want; strengthen problem solving, decision making, teamwork and self-management skills.

• Job Club Employability Lab – An open computer lab where individualized job search and career preparation assistance is provided.

• Maximizing Interview Skills – Learn how to shine in a job interview. • Pathways to Employment – An in-depth class for job search and success; preparing a resume,

highlighting skills, learning the importance of first impressions, verbal and non-verbal communication.

Visit abtech.edu/ce to view the current class schedule. A-B Tech can customize soft skills classes for businesses. For more information, contact Sue Halliday, Workforce Outreach Coordinator at 828-254-1921 Ext. 5826.

All academic programs require ACA 115, Success and Study Skills; CUL 111, Success in Hospitality Studies, or EGR 110, Introduction to Engineering Tech, as part of the program, focusing on the On Course student success principles – Personal Responsibility, Self-motivation, Self-management, Interdependence, Self-awareness, Lifelong Learning, Emotional Intelligence, and Belief in Themselves. These principles are infused throughout students’ experiences on campus. For more information, contact Sue Olesiuk, Dean of Academic Success, at 254-1921, ext. 191 or sueholesiuk@abtech.edu.

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Basic Skills Currently Lagging 1. Ability to communicate in English 2. Ability to hold a basic conversation 3. Basic math skills 4. Good grammar and punctuation 5. Ability to spell words accurately 6. Verbal and written communication skills 7. Computer skills

A-B Tech offers a comprehensive Basic Skills program including Adult Basic Education (ABE) and GED Preparation, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. • ABE/GED classes are designed for adults to improve reading, writing, and problem solving or

computation skills. • ESL classes are designed for non-native speakers to learn reading, writing, speaking and listening

in English. Career Readiness Certification (CRC) & WIN Online Skills Training

For more information on ABE/GED classes, contact the Basic Skills Recruiter at 828-254-1921 Ext. 433 or Ext. 132 or basicskillsrecruiter@abtech.edu. For more information on ESL classes, contact Jennifer Hill, ESL Coordinator at 828-254-1921, ext. 131 or jhill@abtech.edu

A-B Tech also offers pre-college level courses in Writing Foundations and Composition Strategies and pre-college level Mathematics modules in basic mathematics skills. For more information, contact Ron Layne, Chair of Developmental Studies, at 254-1921, ext. 885 or ronaldplayne@abtech.edu.

Some programs include curriculum (credit) classes in Public Speaking and/or Freshman Composition.

A-B Tech offers short-term computer courses from beginner to advanced. Course titles include: • Computer Basics & Technology Awareness • Computer Empowerment for the Workplace • A+ Certification Preparation • Adobe: Indesign; Photoshop • AutoCAD • CCNA I – Cisco Networking Academy Program • Microsoft Office; Access; Excel; PowerPoint; Word • Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator; Engineer • Office Professional Certification • Apple courses; Mac iApps; Mac iWork; Macintosh, Introduction • Internet: Security; Webpage Design; WordPress • Social Media • Quickbooks

Visit abtech.edu/ce to view the full and current class schedule. A-B Tech can customize computer classes for individual businesses. For more information contact Sue Halliday, Workforce Outreach Coordinator at 828-254-1921 Ext. 5826.

A-B Tech also offers computer-related credit programs that lead to degrees, diplomas and certificates:

• Computer Information Technology • Digital Media Technology • Healthcare Business Informatics

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• Information Systems Security • Medical Office Administration • Medical Coding • Medical Transcription • Networking Technology • Office Administration • Web Technologies

For more information, contact Dr. Phil Leftwich, Dean of Business and Hospitality Education, at 254-1921, ext. 286 or philipleftwich@abtech.edu.

• Computer Aided Drafting • Computer Electronics Technology • Computer-Integrated Machining Technology • Personal Computer and Network Maintenance

For more information, contact Vernon Daugherty, Dean of Engineering and Applied Technology, at 254-1921, ext. 220 or vernonddaugherty@abtech.edu.

Work Skills Identified as High Need Health Care Hospitality

1. CNAs 2. Histology 3. Neurodiagnostic testing 4. Medical Records

1. Marketing on the Internet & Third-Party Channels

2. Use of social media 3. Yield Management 4. Rate management in hotels

Management Manufacturing

1. LEAN/Six Sigma 2. Multi-tasker 3. Ability to move at a high rate of

speed 4. Understanding of basic economics

such as profit, loss, and the value and contribution of employees to the business

1. Understanding of product quality 2. LEAN/Six Sigma 3. Ability to make quality checks 4. Basic machine and process operations 5. Electronic assembly 6. Plastics/injection

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A-B Tech offers short-term classes to meet workforce skills: • Electronic Medical Records, Introduction • Medical Terminology Made Easy • Medication Aide • Nurse Aide I and II • Social Media - Learn how to establish and utilize Twitter, LinkedIn, Animoto, Online

Newsletters, and various other social marketing tools for your business. • APICS – Supply Chain Management • Fundamentals of Automated Machining • Lean Six Sigma - Green Belt • HR and Performance Leadership • Leadership Roles, Responsibilities and Styles

Visit abtech.edu/ce to view the full and current class schedule. A-B Tech can customize work skills classes for businesses. For more information contact Sue Halliday, Workforce Outreach Coordinator, at 828-254-1921 Ext. 5826.

Manufacturers may be eligible for customized training incentives offered through the North Carolina Community College System. For more information, contact Ken O’Connor, Executive Director of Economic & Workforce Development, at 828-254-1921 Ext. 5823 or koconnor@abtech.edu.

Questions Asked during the Skills Gap Symposium

Who is the ideal candidate for your job?

1. People who can smile and communicate with others on different levels 2. Marketing and yield management 3. Basic problem-solving 4. Critical thinking 5. People who demonstrate purpose and engagement 6. Basic machine and process operations 7. Ability to move at high speed 8. A mix of technical abilities and a sense of purpose and drive 9. Someone who is involved/engaged 10. The ability to spell and hold a conversation in English that makes sense 11. Math skills

How many people are seeing increasing numbers of Hispanics among their applicants?

1. Communication skills and English-speaking is necessary, especially with the technical aspects of the job, the application process and safety skills.

2. One company noted it asks managers to learn Spanish and applicants to learn English.

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How do you reach your candidate pool?

1. CareerBuilder 2. Postings to UNC Asheville and A-B Tech 3. Blogging to veterans 4. Craig’s List 5. Postings at grocery stores, the post office and local bulletin boards 6. Personal connections 7. Company website 8. Internal recruitment 9. Internships

How many applications do you receive for a single job?

Responses ranged from 30 to 100.

What percentage of those is hirable?

Responses ranged from 5% to 30%.

How do we increase the talent pool to provide greater choice in filling jobs?

1. Short-term training for people with bachelor’s and higher degrees. 2. Recruit people who already have jobs and are seeking a better quality of life.

A-B Tech is investigating to find ways of doing this.

How many would be interested in short-term training?

1. Basic skills for leaders 2. Leadership development opportunities 3. Resources are available in the community for training and education, but classroom training does

not work well for manufacturers. Collaboration is key. 4. Mentoring programs are needed that allow young people to make connections with adults who

can show them what it means to have a work ethic.

Credentials or competency – do credentials carry more weight than competencies in the hiring decision?

1. Some sort of certification is needed for IT, although people without high school diplomas have been hired because “they really knew their stuff.” To grow, it depends on the degree.

2. It varies from job to job. 3. Certifications don’t always reveal if “they can do it in the real world.” 4. One company indicated it provides employees with the soft skills many other companies need. 5. Four-year degrees in liberal arts indicate an ability to learn and a commitment to education.

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Community Resources

Training and custom course information is available to businesses of all sizes and types through the Division of Economic & Workforce Development by contacting Susan Halliday, Workforce Outreach and Student Recruitment Coordinator, at shalliday@abtech.edu, 828-254-1921 Ext. 5826.

Customized training options are available for new, expanding or other manufacturing companies through North Carolina Community College initiatives. Information is available by contacting Ken O’Connor, Executive Director of Economic & Workforce Development, at koconnor@abtech.edu, 828-254-1921 Ext. 5823.

A variety of training options are available in the Spring/Summer 2012 schedule of Continuing Education classes, which is available for browsing and registration at http://www1.abtech.edu/schedules. See the Career Planning section beginning on page 19 for a list of soft skills courses.

The Small Business Center provides a number of services targeting both prospective and existing small business owners. In addition to free, confidential counseling and a resource library, The Small Business Center offers a variety of seminars and special programs as well. Free access to experts in the accounting, legal, management, marketing and technology fields is also available via The Professional Services Office. Entrepreneurial outreach includes a Student Business Incubator program for current A-B Tech students, Young Entrepreneurial Scholars (YES) summer camps for both high-school and middle-school students, K-12 classroom presentations and faculty/staff professional development regarding innovation.

The Center for Business and Technology Incubation offers a business incubation program that helps accelerate the sustainable development of both start-up and emerging companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources. The incubation program offers facilities, access to equipment, small business counseling and networking opportunities, all of which are critical to successful business development.

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Existing platforms within the Center for Business and Technology Incubation include the Small Business Center, the NC BioNetwork BioBusiness Center, the Natural Products Laboratory and Manufacturing Facility, the Blue Ridge Food Ventures commercial kitchen, the Technology Commercialization Center, Student Entrepreneurship and the Global Institute of Sustainability Technologies.

A-B Tech launched a new online service, a free, 24/7 Job Board, on March 22. The Job Board will allow employers to post job vacancies and current and former students to post resumes. Additional information about the Job Board and how to create accounts is available from Peggy Bulla in the Career Development Services Office at 254-1921, ext. 209, or pbulla@abtech.edu.

The A-B Tech Foundation, the A-B Tech Alumni Association and the A-B Tech Executive Leadership Institute will hold a Job Fair and Alumni Reception May 9 on the College's Asheville Campus. The Job Fair is scheduled from 2 to 5 p.m. in Coman Gym. The Alumni Reception will be 5:30 to 6:30 in the Magnolia Dining Room. For additional information or to register, visit http://www1.abtech.edu/content/a-b-tech-alumni-association/job-fair-and-alumni-reception or contact Mark Newman in the Foundation Office at 254-1921, ext. 171.

A-B Tech – 254-1921 Alumni Relations – 254-1921, ext. 171 Career Development Services/Job Board – 254-1921, ext. 209 Economic & Workforce Development – 254-1921, ext. 5823 or 5826 Small Business Center – 254-1921, ext. 5849

Employer Toolkit: http://career.unca.edu/employer-toolkit includes how to post jobs and internships for UNC Asheville students, the university’s majors and minors, and general information about internship criteria

UNC Asheville Career Center – 232-5099

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Regardless of industry or company size the Asheville community has a variety of resources ready to help your company overcome its next challenge. The EDC staff is constantly working to meet the needs of our local business community and over the past few years has launched a variety of initiatives as a response to specific community needs. Contact the EDC staff today to learn more about any of the programs listed below or for help with any issues facing your company. Job Fair http://www.ashevillechamber.org/asheville/work/job-fair The Economic Development Coalition and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce partner annually with numerous workforce and industry allies to promote employment opportunities in advanced manufacturing, health care, and other growth industries in Western North Carolina. Residents, students, graduates, former residents, and friends and family visiting over the holidays are encouraged to attend this one‐stop opportunity to meet directly with representatives from companies who will be hiring in the coming year, or who would like to have a presence to promote awareness of their company to potential future employees. Find out more about the annual job fair by contacting Jess Kryzenske, jkryzenske@ashevillechamber.org or (828) 258-6118. Tools for Business http://asheville.toolsforbusiness.info This online tool is your connection to local, state, and federal resources for starting and growing your business. Sponsored by the Chamber’s Advocates for Business, this web resource outlines local tax incentives, employer assistance information, green business practices, international trade information and much more. Transportation Alliance http://www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development The Western North Carolina Transportation Alliance was launched by local manufacturers to efficiently manage regional transportation assets, increase fleet utilization and combat rising costs of fuel and deadhead miles. The association of companies has grown to include over 40 transportation, logistics and supply chain professionals from the manufacturing sector. Quarterly meetings have featured analysis of logistics challenges such as increasing demand, capacity constraints and failing infrastructure, as well as import/export trends and discussion of Inland Port concepts.

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Research and Reports http://www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development The Economic Development Coalition provides customizable reports from available research on its website. This research is updated monthly and includes data covering Asheville area rankings, building activity, business patterns, county demographics, economic indicators, and more. Consider building your own report online or contacting EDC staff for specific research inquiries. EDC Meetings and Newsletters Did you know Economic Development Coalition Board meetings are open to the public? If you are interested in attending or interested in receiving our monthly newsletter email Jess Kryzenske with the request to learn more details. Email: jkryzenske@ashevillechamber.org Economic Development Coalition – 258-6118 http://www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development

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Onsite Survey Results: 53 Responses

Type

of I

ndus

try

Rep

rese

nted

Manufacturing 18 Construction 7 Health Care 5 Education 3 Professional Services 5 Retail 2 Other 21

Ant

icip

ated

G

row

th Declining 0

Stable 20

Increasing 26

# of

Em

ploy

ees

Plan

ning

to

Hire

With

in

Nex

t Yea

r One to Ten 24 Eleven to Twenty 5 Twenty-One to Thirty 3 Thirty-One to Forty 10

# of

Em

ploy

ees

Plan

ning

to

Hire

in N

ext

Five

Yea

rs One to Ten 9

Eleven to Twenty 9 Twenty-One to Thirty 6 Thirty-One to Forty 17

Occ

upat

iona

l Sk

ills

Nee

ded

Customer Service 24 Skilled Trades 24 Office Skills 15 General Maintenance 13 Lean/Six Sigma/Process Involvement 16 Other 19

Soft

Skill

s N

eede

d Communication/ Interpersonal Skills 36 Critical & Analytical Thinking 33 Problem Solving 34 Good Attendance 32 Customer Service 28 Leadership/ Managerial 23 Other 5