Month: April 2017

Community Colleges Uncover the Problems with Missouri’s Workforce

April 27, 2017 | Campus News

A report released on April 27 by the Missouri Community College Association outlined three problems with Missouri’s workforce and highlighted several ongoing efforts to address these issues.

The report listed supply and demand gaps for key industries, the availability of middle-skill workers, and the availability of adequate soft skills as the top three gaps in the state’s workforce today. The report cited a number of different studies which analyzed both labor market data, job ads, and employer feedback.

“Employers have said for a while now that the availability of a skilled workforce is the number one challenge that they face,” Rob Dixon, Missouri Community College President and CEO said. “With this report, we wanted to dig deeper and find the specific skills that employers are having difficulty finding.”

According to research reviewed by the association, there is a gap between the number of jobs available and the number of job seekers in several key industries. Health care, business and sales and science and technology each had more than a 9 percent gap between the number of job ads posted in 2016 and the number of registered job seekers.

The second gap outlined in the report had to do with the number of workers qualified to fill jobs that require more than high school but less than a four-year degree. The research reviewed showed that these “middle-skill” jobs make up 53 percent of the labor market, but only 46 percent of Missourians are trained to this level.

“There are nearly 6,500 manufacturing facilities that need highly skilled workers statewide,” said East Central College President Dr. Jon Bauer. “In Franklin County alone, there are more than four times the manufacturing establishments than any other county in the East Central College service region. The programs and degrees we offer are tailored for these types of jobs and careers.”

Lastly, the report highlighted research demonstrating gaps in the availability of workers with basic soft skills, such as communication, work ethic and critical thinking. In one study that was referenced, more than 60 percent of employers reported difficulty finding workers with adequate soft skills.

“Soft skills are extremely important in the workplace,” said HVAC instructor David DeArmond. “We instill a certain set of values in our students–integrity, respect and accountability.”

The report comes as Missouri’s community colleges are launching several new initiatives, including the new Workforce Development Network, announced last month.

“We know that these gaps exist, and our colleges are working to address them,” Dixon said. “One of the biggest challenges that we face in implementing these solutions is raising awareness among the public.”

Dixon was optimistic that Missouri can close the gaps in the workforce, but referenced one major challenge.

“There are high paying jobs to be had for workers without a four-year degree,” Dixon said. “We need Missourians to understand that, and we need them to enroll at a community college.”

Missouri’s community colleges specialize in workforce development and provide associate degrees and certificate programs. They serve as Missouri’s lead institutions in delivering postsecondary technical education in partnership with area vocational technical schools.

Read the report!

Business and Industry Center Hosts Local Business and Manufacturing Leaders

April 21, 2017 | Campus News

Statewide, there are nearly 6,500 manufacturing facilities that need highly skilled workers. On April 21, nearly two dozen local business leaders saw firsthand how the East Central College Business and Industry Center is helping close that skills gap.

Check out the photo gallery on Facebook!

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer led the tour through the precision machining, industrial engineering, industrial maintenance and HVAC programs, along with the state-of-the-art welding lab.

“I was very impressed with the Business and Industry Center,” said Mark Borzillo, Silgan Plastic Food Containers. “I think East Central College is positioned very well for the future.”

Borzillo hopes the BIC can help change the mindset for students in the region when it comes to a career in manufacturing.

“Getting a higher education doesn’t necessarily mean getting a four-year degree,” he said. “I see strong needs within manufacturing for skilled people. The jobs are there, and the pay is good!”

It’s an issue that certainly resonates with East Central College.

“We know growth in jobs over the next several years, regionally, statewide and nationally, will take place primarily in technical careers,” Dr. Bauer said. “The Business and Industry Center is helping train the next generation of workers businesses need.”

In fact, Franklin County has more than four times the manufacturing establishments than any other county in the East Central College service region. They make up nearly 25 percent of all jobs in the area.

Jobs like those at the INTEK Corporation.

“This was my third or fourth visit to the facility,” said Jesse Stricker, INTEK Corporation. “Every time I stop by it is more impressive.”

The company manufactures energy-efficient ovens for industrial and commercial process heating, dryers and elements for screen printing as well as heaters for space heating. Stricker says the workforce skills gap is very real.

“Our biggest challenge is finding workers with marketable skills,” he said. “We look forward to seeing more students entering the programs at East Central College and coming out with those skills.”

Stricker also believes ECC’s night and weekend classes would likely appeal to his current workforce.

Also during the tour, Dr. Bauer also touched on the new Workforce Development Network between community colleges in Missouri during the event.

“Businesses now have access to resources at every community college in the state,” Dr. Bauer said. “This aligns our workforce development system directly with our economic development efforts. Our goal is to improve customer service for businesses and help Missouri compete for job creation projects that too often go to other states.”

The funding for the Business and Industry Center is comprised of a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, a $1 Million USDA Rural Economic Development loan, the ECC Foundation’s capital campaign and institutional funding.

Registration Open for May High School Equivalency Classes

April 20, 2017 | Campus News

The Adult Education and Literacy program at East Central College is currently registering students for May classes offered at locations in Union, Washington, Sullivan, Gerald, St. Clair, Owensville, Pacific, Cuba, Hermann, St. James and Rolla. May is the last chance to start classes before the summer break begins.

All classes are provided at no cost with books and material provided for students while in class. Instruction is individualized to meet a person’s needs with instructors who will work with students to reach their goals.

The classes are designed to prepare students to pass the High School Equivalency Test (formerly the GED) and improve WorkKeys and college placement scores.

“Our students have a variety of needs, some just need minor tutoring and instruction to complete a high school equivalency exam, to those adults with a 4^th or 5^th grade math and reading level”, says Alice Whalen, director of the Adult Education and Literacy program. “We specialize in one-on-one instructor to improve a student’s skills in basic Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies and Science.”

For more information or to register for classes call 844-322-4235 (844-ECC-4AEL) or visit the AEL website.

#InspiringExcellence – East Central College Student Wins State Leadership Award

April 19, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award is presented annually to an exceptional student leader from each community college campus.

In 2017, Aiden Worley was honored with the award at East Central College. The announcement wasn’t a surprise to Student Activities Coordinator Courtney Henrichsen.

“Aiden is a devoted and inspiring student leader on campus,” she said. “Aiden’s commitment to serving his community and campus is exemplified through his personable and enthusiastic leadership style.”

Aiden served as the Student Government Association Treasurer in Spring 2016 before being voted in as SGA President for the 2016-2017 academic year. As President, Aiden has lead the Student Senate to collaborate with other campus organizations to provide enjoyable social activities for students, assisted local non-profits with donation drives and clean-up efforts, organized campus-wide special topic forums on Campus Safety and Higher Education Funding and has planned several events to make campus administrators more accessible to students.

“Aiden’s leadership has truly fostered a culture of student engagement with an emphasis on active citizenry and cultivated students’ appreciation of democratic values and processes at East Central College,” said ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer.

Aiden Worley is a business major at East Central College and plans to transfer to the University of Missouri – St. Louis to complete his bachelor’s degree.

East Central College Veterans to Embark on Historic European Journey

April 18, 2017 | Campus News

This summer, East Central College student veterans will travel overseas on an once-in-a-lifetime trip.

“Everyone should get to experience history rather than just reading about it in a book,” said student and veteran Melissa Yetkin.

It’s all part of The Missouri Consortium for Global Education (MCGE) Veteran Students Study Abroad program. Traveling through England and France, students will follow the footsteps of the United States soldiers in WWII and earn some college credit at the same time.

Four students, including Yetkin, will experience world-renowned museums like the Churchill War Rooms and National Army Museum, as well as tours of Normandy and Paris.

To help offset the costs, the Student Government Association has been collecting donations for the veterans. Every Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Yetkin can be found in the ECC Café selling items to support the trip.

“This is an extremely important experience,” Yetkin said, “and I want to help relieve the financial burden for the other veterans going on this journey.”

She is also setting up shop at Tractor Supply on April 22 and May 6 to get support from the community. If you’d like to learn more about the trip or donate to the cause, contact Melissa Yetkin at 803-983-4387 or melissa.yetkin@student.eastcentral.edu.

#InspiringExcellence – ECC Instructor Honored with Excellence in Teaching Award

April 17, 2017 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

Each year, the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) honors outstanding community college educators with the Excellence in Teaching Award.

In 2017, art instructor Adam Watkins was chosen from East Central College! According to the MCCA, an instructor must fit a certain criteria to be eligible for the award – effective and innovative teaching, effective advising, service to the college community and commitment to high standards of excellence in teaching and student interaction.

Watkins was honored at a banquet in Columbia on April 12, along with other outstanding teachers and college students from community colleges in Missouri. He was nominated by ECC instructor Leigh Kolb.

“Adam Watkins is an incredible asset to ECC,” said Kolb in her nomination essay. “Students rave about Watkins as an instructor and a mentor. He’s an excellent leader and inspiration to students and to his coworkers.”

Kolb added that Watkins was instrumental in aligning the college’s new Common Learning Objectives.

“Outside of campus,” Kolb added, “he has a thriving artistic and musical career. His work is consistently being shown in galleries. He is able to show students that he is not only a passionate instructor of art, but he’s also a working artist.”

Board of Trustees Approve Tuition Increase

April 12, 2017 | Campus News

College Trustees Approve Tuition Increase and ECC Sullivan Closure

During its April 10 meeting, the East Central College board of trustees approved a five dollar per credit hour increase to the in-district, out-of-district, out-of-state and international tuition rates to take effect for the 2017 fall semester. The increase raises the in-district tuition rate to $85 per credit hour; $122 out-of-district; $181 out-of-state; and $186 for international students. A full time in-district student taking 15 credit hours per semester will see a tuition cost increase of 75 dollars.

ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer says the tuition increase is necessary given the reduction in state funding to Missouri’s community colleges combined with a decline in enrollment during past few years. “Increasing tuition isn’t a recommendation we make lightly, but this decision puts the college in a stronger budget position and provides us the ability to continue to provide quality programs to our students and community members.”

Currently, 60 percent of ECC students receive full or partial federal financial aid for the cost of tuition, while over 90 percent of students receive some sort of combination of financial assistance in federal financial aid, loans, grants or scholarships.

“Even with the tuition increase, ECC is still has one of the lowest tuition rates in the area,” says Dr. Bauer, “And this approval by the board allows us to maintain the quality of our programs and services for our students and the community.”

Sullivan Closure

Also during the meeting, board members approved a recommendation to close the ECC Sullivan location. The college leases space at 11 North Clark and will cease operations at the location June 30, 2017. Over the past several years, enrollment at the location has significantly declined due to the growth of online and hybrid classes and with the decrease in class offerings a student cannot complete certificate or degree at the location. Pending Sullivan high school graduates enrolled at ECC are planning to attend classes in Union or Rolla for the coming year.

It is estimated the closing of the location will result in an annual savings of approximately $57,000. Many of the direct expenses (lease, utilities, etc.) would be eliminated.

“We have tried various scheduling option in an effort to reverse the decreasing enrollment trend but haven’t been successful,” said Dr. Bauer, “Students who attend Sullivan will have options to enroll in courses in Union or Rolla, and will have access to more comprehensive services than are currently available in Sullivan.”

ECC Rolla Student Helps Wildfire Victims

April 11, 2017 | Campus News ECC Rolla

ECC Student Takes Action Amidst Tragedy

When wildfires scorched through large parts of Oklahoma and northern Texas in early March 2017, one ECC student couldn’t let the tragedy go unnoticed. Dalton Smith, a student at the ECC Rolla center, and his two friends, Seth Morris and Lane McDonald from Rolla High School, drove 1,300 miles to Laverne, Okla., to provide farmers with extra hay and some helping hands.

“We’d seen it on Facebook and agricultural websites,” Dalton said in an article written by Ozarks Farm and Neighbor. “They’d lost hundreds of thousands of animals as two million acres have burned and six deaths have been attributed to the fires as well.”

Smith, Morris and McDonald picked up 150 bales of hay in Arkansas for the trip, where they learned that more than just fire was killing the animals.

“They told us how they would get a fire line cut and be making some headway and then a rabbit, which was on fire, would run from the fireside and set off another fire,” Morris said. “Many of the animals weren’t killed outright. They would be so injured, so burned but not dead, that the owners and local deputies had to go along just shooting them.”

The livestock that survived will likely cause farmers future problems, however, due to smoke inhalation.

“Their calves may be still born next season or have birth defects as a result,” Smith said.

Despite the losses, the news of traveling help got word out to surrounding areas, spreading awareness about the destruction.

“So little of this had been on the national news and people just didn’t know,” Smith said. “Someone here told me that the awareness we raised about the whole situation out there may mean more than the actual donations we took.”

Smith said that he and his friends planned to take another trip to Oklahoma around spring break, which was in late March, and that there’d be more people and supplies to go around.

According to INCIWEB, the state incident information system, the Northwest Oklahoma Complex wildfires had been 100 percent contained as of March 22, 2017.

National Library Week: Win Cardinals Tickets!

April 10, 2017 | Campus News

Celebrate National Library Week with the ECC Library, April 10 – 13, 2017 with a chance to win St. Louis Cardinals tickets.

Current ECC Students are eligible to enter the raffle for a chance to win two St. Louis Cardinals tickets to a 2017 home game by completing a few questions about the ECC Library https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ECC_Cardinals

Only one entry per person and one person will win a “Marty Pass 2017”. The winner will receive tickets for two reserved seats to a Monday – Thursday Cardinals game.

You select the date, blackout dates may apply. Winners will be announced Monday April 17, 9 a.m. on the ECC library webpage. Prizes are courtesy of Friends of the Library.

Register Now For Summer Camps!

April 7, 2017 | Campus News

Registration Underway for ECC Summer Camps

This is the time of the year for parents and kids to think about the fun and interesting summer camps offered at East Central College.

Different classes will be offered in music, computers, sports and fitness, and hobbies throughout the months of June and July on the Union campus.

Participants can learn computer coding, robotics, archery, yoga, babysitter training, the art of being Harry Potter, and learn the four seasons through a piano camp.

New class offerings this summer include gardening, CrossFit boxing, a pom pom cheer camp for children 2-5 years old, and an introductory ballet and cheerleading camp.

ECC Chef Mike Palazzola will be teaching 10- to 14-year-old students the art of making cupcakes and desserts. The Create Art with Code camp will guide children 9 years and older how to combine art with computer programming. A career exploration class will teach 8-16-year-olds the qualities of being a nurse.

The complete list of summer camp classes can be viewed at Community Education. For more information and to register, call 636-584-6529 or email ce@eastcentral.edu.