| Missouri is preparing an inadequate number of graduates at the certificate and associate degree levels to support the state's need for manufacturing and other technical skills related industries. The shortages are in programs area such as: (1) engineering technology, (2) precision production, (3) mechanics and repairers, (4) science technology and (5) computer science. Fifteen percent of Missouri's workforce is in business and industry related to manufacturing, while contributing 34% toward the state's economy. The State Department of Economic Development is working to attract companies nationally and internationally to locate in Missouri. These employers in manufacturing related companies need highly skilled technicians. Business leaders are looking for employees with Associate of Applied Science degrees and are not finding enough to fill their employment needs (Missouri Coordinating Board For Higher Education, 1996).;The Goal of this plan is to effectively market St. Louis Community College and its Technical Education programs to inform the public of educational opportunities and maximize the potential for growth.;The plan addresses the following objectives: (1) Objective: To become a focal point for Technical Education. (2) Objective: To increase partnership programs with business, industry, labor and other educational institutions in technical related areas. (3) Objective: To partner with business, industry, labor, and other educational institutions to improve the image of technical jobs and related industries and increase the awareness of technical job opportunities in the St. Louis metropolitan area. (4) Objective: To increase the visibility of Technical Education programs. (5) Objective: To increase the number of students enrolling in and graduating from Technical Education programs at St. Louis Community College. |
