Tag: Skills Gap

Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant Now Available for Area Adults

August 10, 2019 | Campus News

Earning a college certificate or degree can be a life-changing experience for any adult student. However, there can be many obstacles that often stand in the way – including financial barriers.

Thanks to the new Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant through the Missouri Department of Higher Education, a new financial aid funding stream is now available to adults beginning with the 2019-2020 academic year.

“More than a third of all East Central College students are adult learners,” said Dr. Jon Bauer, President. “They make up an important part of our culture. This grant will give more adult students the opportunity to pursue a degree and advance their careers.”

The program addresses workforce needs by helping adults pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in an area designated as high need. Sixteen programs at East Central College are eligible. Adults who are 25 or older or individuals who have not been enrolled in any school within the last two years can participate.

The application and program list for the grant will be available through the State Student Financial Aid Portal beginning Aug. 5, 2019. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered. The Fast Track program is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fee costs are fully covered. For individuals for which other aid covers the full tuition and fee costs, students are eligible for an award of up to $500 to cover other education-related expenses.

Adults interested in applying for the Fast Track Workforce Initiative Grant can contact Barb Kuelker, East Central College Fast Track liaison, at barb.kuelker@eastcentral.edu or 636-584-6571.

East Central College to Receive More Than $500,000 to Expand Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships

July 22, 2019 | Campus News

East Central College will continue to lead Missouri in advanced manufacturing apprenticeships thanks to a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The U.S. DOL announced last month that Missouri will receive nearly $12 million to create the Missouri Apprenticeships in Manufacturing Program (MoAMP), a statewide initiative to improve the ability to deliver innovative pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training programs.

Participants will learn skills and earn industry credentials, certificates and/or degrees that will lead to high-demand entry-and middle-skills occupations in the advanced manufacturing industry.

More than $500,000 will be awarded to East Central College to continue its current registered apprenticeship program and create additional apprenticeship opportunities.

“East Central College is a leader in the development and implementation of U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships,” says Dr. Jon Bauer, president of East Central College. “ECC currently works with nine area companies on apprenticeship programs that includes nearly 40 apprentices. Advanced Manufacturing is crucial to the success of our area, where one in five jobs in the East Central College service area are in manufacturing.”

ECC apprentices learn on the job while also taking classes at East Central College that can lead to a certificate and/or a degree in high-demand manufacturing fields.

Advanced manufacturing in Missouri represents nearly nine percent of total private sector employment with more than 200,000 workers across some 9,700 establishments in 29 industries. From 2012-2017, Missouri’s manufacturing employment grew by 17,555.

The grant-writing effort was led by the Missouri Community College Association and St. Louis Community College, which will act as the grant’s fiscal agent. The grant application was also written with extensive input from state workforce development leaders and workforce investment boards.

The nine-member consortium of Missouri’s community colleges and State Technical College of Missouri, and private-sector partner, National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), will target three career pathways of occupations within advanced manufacturing: automation and systems, logistics, and production and maintenance.

The nine colleges that will participate in the statewide consortium are East Central College (Union), Jefferson College (Hillsboro), Metropolitan Community College (Kansas City), Mineral Area College (Park Hills), Moberly Area Community College, St. Charles Community College, St. Louis Community College, State Fair Community College (Sedalia), and State Technical College of Missouri (Linn).

East Central College Precision Machining Program Earns Full Reaccreditation

April 26, 2019 | Campus News

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) has awarded the East Central College Precision Machining Program full reaccreditation. NIMS develops skills standards for the industry, certifies individual skills against the standards and accredits training programs that meet NIMS quality requirements.

“The NIMS representative was very complimentary of our classroom and lab learning environments, the curriculum, faculty credentials and the tremendous support from our advisory board and the college,” said Robyn Walter, vice president of academic affairs.

East Central College offers a robust curriculum centered on hands-on learning in professional CNC and machine tool labs in its Business and Industry Center. Students are taught by qualified instructors who’ve had working careers with manufacturing companies. At the end of the program, students can earn an associate of applied science, certificate of achievement or certificate of specialization.

Precision machining students also earn the industry recognized NIMS credential and the National Career Readiness Certificate. “NIMS is the industry standard for training and skill validation within precision manufacturing,” said Walter. “It is certainly a mark of quality and employers are interested in graduates with a NIMS certificate.”

According to the East Central College Center for Workforce Development, Franklin County has more than four times the manufacturing establishments than any other county in our service region. They make up near 25 percent of all jobs in the area, higher than any other category.

National Apprenticeship Week Celebration at Business and Industry Center

November 16, 2018 | Campus News

Business leaders and community members were welcomed into the East Central College Business and Industry Center on Friday, November 16 for a National Apprenticeship Week Celebration.

The event featured two keynote speakers – Wade Johnson, U.S. Department of Labor, and Mardy Leathers, Missouri Department of Workforce Development.

“Missouri is dedicated to investing, expanding and sustaining apprenticeships in the state,” said Leathers. “Educational institutions like East Central College are going to help lead the way forward.”

Those in attendance at the event were also able to hear directly from a panel of local businesses and employees who are currently participating in an apprenticeship program.

“I’m getting something tangible from the apprenticeship program through East Central College,” said apprentice Neil Chapman. He works as a quality technician at Homeyer Precision Machining in Marthasville. “I’m allowed to learn in a classroom environment where I can learn from my mistakes and grow as a professional.”

“We have four apprentices right now,” said Lou Ann Feldman, Clemco Vice President of Manufacturing, “and they are very diverse. Only one had any welding experience before entering the program.”

While East Central College provides many registered apprenticeships to area manufacturers, the program can be applied to all industries. Significant talent shortages and skills gaps can limit the ability of a business to expand, innovate and excel. Apprenticeships can help close that gap.

“There is currently a funding opportunity for apprenticeships,” said Joel Doepker, East Central College Vice President of External Relations . “East Central College can help area businesses create successful credit or non-credit programs on any scale and for any industry.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 150,000 employers and labor management organizations benefit from apprenticeships every year. Workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn $300,000 more over a career than their peers who don’t.

Local manufacturers receive state dollars for employee training through ECC

October 3, 2018 | Campus News

A Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) program designed to offset training costs for the state’s manufacturing industry is benefiting local business.

The customized training program will provide more than $200,000 in funding to ten area manufacturers that will be used to train employees at companies in Washington, Sullivan, St. James, Pacific, Marthasville and Rolla. Each manufacturer will receive a range of $10,000 to $45,000 this year.

“The assistance relieves some of our financial burden for training our workforce,” says Tom LaMantia, CEO and president of Clementina Clemco Holdings. ”More importantly, enhancing the skills of our employees is vital for our company to remain competitive and grow.”

Each company works with the Center for Workforce Development at East Central College to secure the funding and the opportunity to provide the training. The programs range from leadership development, safety training, introductory welding programs, project management to LEAN and Six Sigma training.

“The funding assists Tacony’s plan to provide a comprehensive training program as we continue to invest in our most important resources, our employees,” says Nancy Montgomery, Human Resource Manager, Tacony Corporation.

Each company matches 100 percent of the state funding.

Learn more about the innovative program by contacting the Center for Workforce Development.

Center for Workforce Development Searching for Local Experts

September 11, 2018 | Campus News

The East Central College Center for Workforce Development (CWD) needs talented people to help provide training to local businesses. It is holding a series of talent fairs this fall to allow those interested to stop by and discuss how their talents can be used.

“This is a great opportunity for retirees or someone looking for part-time work,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations. “We have a great amount of knowledge in our area and their work experience has a tremendous amount of value.”

The events will be held at the East Central College Business and Industry Center, 42 Prairie Dell Plaza Drive, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Each talent fair has a different focus based on the type of talent needed.

September 20
AutoCAD, Tool & Die, Welding, Quick Books, Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Electricity and Precision Machining
October 4
Lean Six Sigma, Quality Management, Logistics and Material Coordination, OSHA 10 & 30 Instruction
October 25
Holiday Artisans, Craft Instructors, Personal and Professional Development, Peach Tree Software Instruction
November 1
Certified Nursing Assistant Instruction for East Central College – Rolla

CWD offers credit and non-credit classes and training in a wide range of areas for employers and employees who are looking to upgrade their skills or may be seeking a new skill set for a change in employment. Additionally, through its Community Education Program, it provides children and adults with opportunities for personal and professional enrichment.

Attendees are asked to bring a current resume. Questions can be directed to training@eastcentral.edu or call 636-649-5803.

East Central College Receives Grant for Community-Focused Greenhouse

July 17, 2018 | Campus News

Students in the East Central College Culinary Arts Program won’t just learn how to prepare and cook food, but they will soon learn how to grow it as well. Thanks to a $70,000 grant from the USDA Rural Development Program, a greenhouse will be constructed on the Union campus.

“This greenhouse will strengthen the Culinary Arts curriculum,” said Program Director Mike Palazzola. “Students will learn more about sustainability and farm-to-table competencies. The program will be more comprehensive and desirable to potential students and the area workforce.”

The USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas.

“This grant better positions the college to expand an existing program and create innovative solutions to address the regional skills gap,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations, “For the past three years the College has received USDA funding and we appreciate their investment in our programs.”

East Central College was awarded the grant based on evidence showing job creation at local businesses, economic need in the area to be served and consistency with local economic development priorities. During the grant application process, East Central College received several letters of support for the project from local eateries.

“Currently, three-fourths of the staff for our kitchen has attended East Central College,” said Katie Geisert, owner of Farm To You Market. “We find that it is crucial that a quality education continues locally, one that includes practices in sustainability and appreciation of how food is grown and used locally.”

The new greenhouse will also benefit the community.

“We want this to serve as a community-outreach project as well,” said Palazzola. “With the amount of food we will be able to produce, we should be able to provide a constant stream of fresh, healthy produce to local food banks.”

East Central College also hopes to use the greenhouse to help educate area high school students as well as create Community Education class opportunities.

Construction of the greenhouse, which will be located behind the East Central College Training Center, should begin this fall. The project is to be completed no later than September 2019.

Getting Employees in a Tight Labor Market – June 27 Forum

June 5, 2018 | Campus News

Hiring skilled or first-tier employees in the area is becoming so competitive that practically every industry is concerned about the lack of available talent.

“There are several factors contributing to the shortage,” said Ed Shelton, ECC Center for Workforce Development Executive Director. “One of the biggest contributors is the age of the workforce. There are simply not enough young workers to fill the gap right now.”

Additionally, many younger workers lack the necessary experience to immediately step in and fill the shoes of the retiring workforce.

“The skills gap is very real,” said Shelton. “That’s why we are hosting area manufacturers and businesses to provide insight on how to find top talent and retain employees during this challenging time.”

On June 27, join the Center for Workforce Development from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Business and Industry Center, 42 Prairie Dell Plaza Drive in Union for an engaging forum on the topic.

The event is only ten dollars and includes lunch. For more information or to register, contact 636-649-5803 or training@eastcentral.edu.

The mission of the Center for Workforce Development is to establish and promote economic opportunities that lead to a comprehensive workforce system in the ECC Service Region (Franklin, Warren, Gasconade, Maries, Crawford, Dent, Osage and Phelps Counties).

A stethoscope, laptop, smartphone, and medical professional

Closing the Skills Gap in Health Information Management

March 14, 2017 | Campus News

When Michael Klemme left the military, he knew what he wanted. However, he wasn’t sure how to make it happen.

“I wanted to be able to get a job and work anywhere in the world,” he said.

His first step was enrolling at East Central College. That’s where he discovered the Health Information Management (HIM) degree.

The ECC HIM program trains students to fill a pivotal role within the medical environment – connecting clinical, operational and administrative functions. Skilled HIM professionals ensure an organization has the right information on hand when and where it is needed.

“The training, instruction and support that was provided to me by the entire staff and faculty at ECC was outstanding,” he said.

After graduation, Michael fulfilled his goal. He was selected out of a field of a dozen candidates to fill a medical health record administrator position in Guam. “Everyone at East Central College made this dream possible for me,” he said, “and I am forever grateful.”

“Michael’s story is not uncommon,” said ECC HIM Instructor Nanette Sayles. “It’s not one of those careers that people grow up planning to be like a nurse or a fireman, but when they do discover it, they see its value.”

According to the National Skills Coalition, middle-skill jobs like HIM, which require education beyond high school but not a four-year degree, make up the largest part of America’s labor market.

“This program has been a catalyst for change in so many lives,” said Program Director Stephanie Buchholz. “Graduates are able to leave minimum wage positions. Their HIM degree is often the first step to personal and professional achievement for a lot of students.”

“I’ve been in HIM education since 1998,” Sayles added. “In that time, I’ve seen single parents be able to support their families – some don’t even have to leave their homes to do it. It is a career that offers flexibility.”

The demand for an HIM degree isn’t going away, especially as medical records continue to move into the digital space. According to the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the job outlook for Health Information Management graduates is expected to increase 10 percent by 2024!

Gateway Medical Solutions in Sullivan knows the demand well. They rely on East Central College to fill key positions. The medical billing company hired their first ECC graduate in 2014 and has hired several since.

“If anyone is looking to change careers,” said Chief Financial Officer Scott Schwader, “I think ECC provides a great opportunity to get into a growing industry. In fact, Gateway Medical Solutions has grown each and every year. We now provide billing services for more than 100 physicians in 18 different states!”

Schwader says it can be a challenge finding enough skilled workers for his business, and a degree in HIM can give an applicant a real advantage.

“We like to hire people who have Health Information Management degrees. They are well-rounded and ready for the workforce,” he explained. “We pay them more because they have more knowledge of healthcare systems, and they are often better coders.”

While The East Central College Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Management is designed for students seeking employment immediately upon graduation, many of the credits may qualify as transfer credit at four-year schools!

East Central College has an Articulation Agreement with Stephens College, offering a pathway for ECC HIM graduates to earn their B.S. in Health Information Administration. Also, ECC has an Articulation Agreement with Maryville University, offering a pathway for ECC HIM graduates to earn their B.S. in Healthcare Practice Management.

The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) will honor and celebrate health information professionals during the 28th annual Health Information Professionals (HIP) Week March 26–April 1, 2017.