Collaboration and Innovation: A holistic approach to Workforce Development

Apr 10, 2023

By Cesar Maldonado, Ph.D., P.E.
Chancellor, Houston Community College

At Houston Community College (HCC), we understand that when it comes to equipping our students with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in today's workforce, “none of us is as smart as all of us.” As unfilled jobs abound in our region, it is exciting to see colleges, industry, and government align to equip students with credentials of value, expand access to dual credit offerings, and promote work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships and internships.

Last year HCC convened a group of distinguished business leaders to provide guidance on target strategies that drive student success. The work of the HCC Chancellor’s Business Champions Council is strengthening the area’s workforce, while helping advance strategies which close the region’s skills and college attainment gaps. Working together, HCC and the Business Champions Council are fostering a deeper understanding of how academic concepts are applied in practice. This aligns skills and curricula to increase the placement of college graduates in high-demand careers.

A key component of collaboration is the emphasis on equipping students with credentials of value. This includes both traditional degrees and certificates, as well as non-degree credentials like industry certifications. By focusing on workforce credentials that are in high demand, students can be confident their education results in meaningful employment opportunities. This also benefits employers, who often struggle to find workers with the skills and qualifications they need.

Another critical component is the state’s collaboration in the expansion of funding for dual credit programs. Dual credit programs allow high school students to earn college credits while still in high school, giving them a head start on their college education and saving them money in the process. By expanding access to purposeful dual credit offerings, more students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education and gain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

An area where all three partners weigh-in is promoting work-based learning opportunities like apprenticeships and internships. These types of programs allow students to gain real-world experience in their chosen field while still in school, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation. Work-based learning programs also benefit employers who can train and develop workers already familiar with their organization and its culture.

The need for colleges, industry, and government to collaborate as partners in equipping students with the skills and credentials needed to succeed cannot be overstated. By aligning education, skills development, and funding, we can help ensure that our students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow. It's an exciting opportunity and a critical need if we want to close the skills gap and promote economic growth in our communities.

The collaborative effort of education, business, and the state of Texas demonstrates the commitment to align the entire talent supply chain as never before. I thank HCC’s Chancellor’s Business Champions Council and the state’s legislative leaders for their vision and look forward to our work together to Embrace Houston’s Future (HCC’s strategic plan, 2020-2028).