Workforce Development

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  H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant Lessons Learned: Successes, Challenges, and Plans for Sustaining the Workforce Development Programs

  Columbus State Community College, Stark State College, and Washington County Career Center

  The three education partners—Columbus State Community College, Stark State College, and the Washington County Career Center—working on the 2011-2015 Ohio H-1B Technical Skills Training Grant (TST) completed a post-program evaluation centered on the workforce development model implemented by their respective organizations. This report discusses the successes, challenges, and future sustainability of the programs, as experienced by each educational partner. The information generated from this evaluation, along with best practice research in workforce training programs, may inform future sector strategy training programs. The best practice research is included in the Appendix.

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  Aerospace and Aviation Workforce Strategy

  Kristy Rochon and Center for Urban and Public Affairs, Wright State University

  Despite the struggling economy and the challenges that have plagued the commercial aviation market, the national Aerospace and Aviation industry has experienced growth from 2005 to 2009. U.S. Aerospace sales increased by 21 percent and profits increased by 29 percent. However, at the same time, aircraft production lines have contracted as a result of decreased defense spending over the past 15 years. This contraction has limited production surge capacity, an event that is looming as a result of aging aircraft in both the commercial and defense fleets.

  There is a window of opportunity for the State of Ohio to emerge as a global industry leader. In order to capitalize on this opportunity, the State must address critical gaps in workforce and economic development. The talent development pipeline must focus not only on meeting the current business demand, but also on anticipating future national demand. This forward reaching strategy could position the state to receive aircraft production lines as the industry strains to meet increasing commercial and defense demands.

  The following strategy report provides a view toward the industry, documented business demand—known supply side issues— and recommendations.

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  Restoring Prosperity: The State Role in Revitalizing American's Older Industrial Cities

  Jane Dockery and Lindsey Smith

  In 2008, The Brookings Institution, a national thinktank in Washington, D.C. commissioned a study by APRI's Associate Director Jane Dockery examining the state's role in economic revitalization through workforce development. This work was done as part of the Brookings Institutions Metropolitan Policy Program and their Restoring Prosperity initiative.