We’re Hiring – Facilitator for the Assessment of the School to Work Initiatives
ASSESSMENT OF THE SCHOOL TO WORK INITIATIVES
IN JEFFERSON, WASHINGTON AND HENRY COUNTY
The SET Region (Jefferson, Washington, Henry County) has a goal to increase our future
workforce. We believe this can be accomplished through a more efficient alignment of
workforce efforts between K-12 and the business community to address our workforce gaps. To deliver
some of the strategies identified in this goal, we are searching for a facilitator who can work directly
with the schools as well as with business community to best identify the region’s needs and assist in
developing a strong workforce pipeline.
REQUEST FOR SERVICES
The SET Region is seeking an individual to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current School to
Work initiatives and recommendations on how we can better prepare students for our regional
workforce needs. The sponsoring organization (SET) has compiled a list of schools in the three-county
region, a list of employers, information on other statewide programs, and other pertinent information
that might be helpful in this process. This study will determine best practices for future workforce
efforts for our area employers and School to Work initiatives.
The planning effort will include the following tasks.
Research:
• Meet with area economic development organizations to research their level of commitment to
workforce development.
• Meet with area School to Work coordinators, guidance counselors, CTE instructors and other
personnel to research all current programs offered.
• Meet with area community college personnel charged with high school relations to research
their current programs.
• Meet with parents and students to discuss their interest level in internships, job shadowing and
future employment goals.
• Meet with business leaders and human resource personnel to discuss the future workforce
needs.
• Research the state requirements in Career and Technology Education and School to Work
initiatives.
• Review other successful School to Work initiatives.
Identification and Reporting:
• Identify current structures in place.
• Identify current strengths that can be shared among the SET region.
• Identify what barriers or challenges the region will face in recruiting a future workforce.
• Make recommendations to the SET region about how to proceed with future School to Work
and other workforce initiatives.
Delivery:
• The Facilitator will make a formal recommendation to economic development organizations,
area businesses and the school districts on the best practices associated with student
internships, skill sets and other needs to address workforce gaps as a region.
• The Facilitator will suggest to economic development organizations, area businesses and the
school districts ways to enhance curriculum, enhance coordination between school
faculty/administration and facilitate job matching with student interests.
Sponsoring Organization:
The contracted facilitator will be officially hosted by the Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance but will also be supported by Fairfield Economic Development Association and Washington Economic Development Group. The facilitator will be guided by a steering committee composed of members representing economic development organizations and educational institutions in the SE Iowa region.
Financial Support:
$5,000 is available to include consulting services, any printed and electronic materials necessary and all travel incurred.
Timeline:
May – Accept applications, interview and hire potential facilitator.
June – First Steering Committee Meeting to lay out expectations, roles, reporting, etc.
June – Facilitator Begins
July 1 – Completion of Research
August 1 – Completion of Identification and Reporting
September 1 – Completion of Delivery and Future Steps Identified
Contact:
If you are interested in applying for this position, please contact Kristi Ray, Mount Pleasant Area Development Corporation, 124 S. Main Street, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641, 319-385-3101,kray@mountpleasantiowa.org by May 31, 2017.
