A snapshot of what Workforce Training and Economic Development does for the district

As a member of the academic faculty, I have to admit to a great deal of ignorance about the role of institutional outreach at institutions of higher learning.  This lack of understanding, unfortunately, is probably shared by many of my ilk as well as many administrators at other institutions.

The role of community outreach and economic development programs extends far beyond the realm of enrichment courses, like cake decorating or yoga.  The division serves as a resource for community agencies, i.e. law enforcement, public schools, etc., to conduct continuing education to meet certification standards.

The demands of private-sector partners, namely manufacturing companies, are also central to the role of economic development.  For example, the Diviosn of Workforce Training develops and implements tests for manual dexterity, training for management, and training for non-management personnel.

This type of training lies outside the realm of traditional academic units where the focus falls on long-term training.  Rather, the goal of the outreach organizations on a college or university campus is to provide targeted, on-demand training to address the changing demands of the American employer.

(Pictures provided courtesy of the Division of Workforce Training and Economic Development, Northeast MS Community College, http://www2.nemcc.edu/Workforce/)