Partnerships Link Community Colleges, Business
Published Apr 16, 2005
RRCC soon will offer a new degree program in process technology that will train technicians in areas such as chemical production and the energy industry.
It is often said that the only constant is change, and nowhere is this idea more fitting than in the world of business and technology. Whether you have a new company and are looking to recruit highly skilled workers or are a long- time business owner helping current employees polish their skills, Jefferson County is well positioned in terms of workforce training.
For example, Red Rocks Community College offers a complete menu of programs through its Rocky Mountain Education Center, including everything from OSHA training to Casino Gaming certifications.
“One of our core values at Red Rocks is to be a committed partner with business and industry,” says RRCC President Cliff Richardson. “By responding to industry demands through innovative solutions, we are joining efforts with local businesses to help build a strong workforce in Jefferson County.”
In keeping with that goal, RRCC will soon be offering a new degree program in Process Technology that will train technicians in areas such as chemical production and the energy industry. The innovative program – developed in partnership with big names like Suncor Energy, BP America and Coors Brewery – is expected to be a hit with both business leaders and students.
“We already have a feeder program in place with Alameda High School,” Richardson says. “That will begin this fall, and other area high schools also have expressed an interest in our Process Technology program. We are making a real commitment to local industries to help build the future workforce where we see the most demand.”
Richardson points to health care as another important growth industry. Here again, RRCC offers a wide range of opportunities, including a Physician Assistant certificate program.
“Our Physician Assistant program is extremely competitive,” Richardson says. “Our training partners include virtually every major health care system in the area, including Centura, Exempla, Kaiser and HealthOne hospitals. This fall, we will be opening a clinic in Idaho Springs that will provide hands-on training for our students.”
Major employers in southern Jefferson County, including everyone from Lockheed Martin to Great Western Life , often turn to Arapahoe Community College for their training needs.“Our portfolio runs the gamut from basic computer skills, to English as a second language, to leadership and project management,” says John Libby, director of corporate training for ACC. “We train about 15,000 people each year through a mix of corporate seminars and more comprehensive, long-term training programs. We maintain relationships with a number of different companies, including many aerospace and engineering firms. We try to get in touch with employers when they first come to town and build an on-going relationship to help keep their workforce strong.”
Libby says that ACC can also help local companies secure state economic development grants.
“We work closely with companies to design a training program that makes sense,” he says. “We can provide training on site or on one of our campuses. Add in state training incentives, and that can help make the difference in a company’s location decision.”
Story by Amy Stumpfl
Photo by Stephen Cherry
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