Models for Education/Business Relationships: Focus on new approach to advisory committees/

DMA Support

Dr. Jim VartyNovember 7, 2014

A Historical Perspective on Education/Industry Partnering

• A Business/Industry Perspective– When times are good, industry needs people and

tends to spend $$$ entering into partnerships with education

– Often these tend to be long range initiatives with little/no immediate results

– From an industry perspective, education is plodding and unable to adapt quickly enough to immediate needs for trained people.

A Historical Perspective on Education/Industry Partnering

– When times are bad, both internal training/educational partnering are first to go

– Education/training liaisons tend to be reassigned never to return.

– Conclusions:• Industry creates its own initiatives at considerable

expense. Only infrequently do they know about, identify and use existing networks.• Today, Industry is much leaner. As a result it has less

time to work with educators.

A Historical Perspective on Education/Industry Partnering

• An Educational Perspective– Most educators are not students of industry– Educators find it hard to get a clear picture of job

opportunities/skill requirements– Very few companies can provide a critical mass for

educational enrichment– Educators understand the importance of

experience, but opportunities for tours/job shadowing/internships are generally difficult to come by

The Traditional Role of Advisory Committees

• They have been required for many years in vocational legislation.

• Difficult to identify right folks from industry. • Since local meetings are held only once a year,

often hard to provide educational program background to committee and have time for in depth discussion of industry perspectives.

• Effectiveness is questionable.

A New Perspective

• Are we looking in the wrong places for our advisory membership?

• Might we have access to advisory support through the parents of students and their colleagues.– Have a vested interest in the program and institution– Can serve as the network to their colleagues – Are normally aware of course objectives – Can become partners in instruction, providing continued

support– Requires a clear idea of support needed

The Role of the DMA

• DMA was established as a conduit for career information

• DMA has developed industry contacts and networks that individual educators can use to address specific issues

• DMA understands education and industry• DMA is providing support to MAT2, WIN, Asbe for

industry tours, DHD, Program Consultation, etc.• DMA has over 25 years experience and is willing to

consult with any educational institution.