11/30/2015
Media Contact: Julie Haas, 913-469-3120, jhaas@jccc.edu
JCCC seeks input from employers on curriculum changes
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Johnson County Community College is preparing to launch a major upgrade of its career and technical education programs and facilities. To start this process, it has scheduled a series of employer forums to gather input from employers in Johnson County to help determine the right size and capacity as well as critical curriculum elements that should be included in the updated programs.
“Frequently, I encounter employers who indicate it is difficult to find qualified employees to fill vacant positions in a variety of industries and occupations,” said Joe Sopcich, JCCC president. “Employers often share that the local labor pool does not match the growing demand for jobs that require strong skills, proper training and certification, sufficient levels of education, and previous work experience. Generally known as a ‘skills gap,’ this situation results from a strong demand for certain types of workers and a large supply of job seekers whose skills do not match the needs of employers.”
The employer forums, which will take place in RC 270 at JCCC, will be targeted to the specific program areas that are being updated. Here are the program areas and sessions:
Monday, Dec. 7, 1-3:30 p.m. Automation
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8-10:30 a.m. Computer-aided drafting
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1-3:30 p.m. Construction management
Thursday, Dec. 10, 8-10:30 a.m. Electrical technology
Friday, Dec. 11, 8-10:30 a.m. Electronics
Friday, Dec. 11, 1-3:30 p.m. HVAC
Monday, Dec. 14, 1-3:30 p.m. Welding
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 8-10:30 a.m. Auto technology
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1-3:30 p.m. Auto collision
Thursday, Dec. 17, 8-10:30 a.m. Machine tool technology/ Advanced manufacturing