The Workforce ScanU.S. DOL Community Audit Grant

The Governor’s Workforce Investment Board

& Chesapeake Workforce Alliance (CWA)Lower Shore, Southern Maryland, Susquehanna, Upper Shore

Workforce Investment Areas

In cooperation with The Jacob France Center

The Office of Labor Market Analysis & Information of the MD Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation

Agenda

Overview of ProjectThree Tiered Model

Survey Research - OLMAI-DLLR Interviews - JFC Focus Groups - JFC

Overview of Project

Project Goals: Develop stronger board relationships and connections

to businesses. Survey businesses and identify critical occupational and

skills needs. Conduct a skill analysis of selected occupations. Develop community career ladders within the skill

clusters identified for each workforce area. Build momentum for Skills Alliances to ensure that

businesses are able to grow and prosper and that employees are able to maximize their full career potential.

Overview of Project

Four Workforce Investment Areas are Part of the Community Audit

Lower ShoreSouthern MarylandSusquehannaUpper Shore

Overview of Project

Five Target IndustriesTechnology (DLLR Definition)TourismHealth CareConstructionAgriculture (Environmental is Included in Technology)

Overview of Project

Three Tiered Data Collection Methods Surveys

Collect General Information from a Broad Group of Companies

Interviews Collect Detailed Information from a Limited Group of

Key Companies

Focus Groups Validate-Expand Findings of Surveys and Interviews

Through Facilitated Group Discussions with Key Businesses

Overview of Project

Time Line April 2002 Direct Mail Survey &

Interviews Sept. 2002 Local Focus Groups Nov. 2002 State Focus Groups Dec. 2002 Draft Report Feb. 2003 Final Report

Tier 1: Survey

240 Businesses will be surveyed by direct mail.

Opportunity to gather data to improve sample size and increase validity of results

# of employer contacts will be divided evenly among the five skill sectors, i.e. 10 businesses for each skill sector in the Upper Shore area.

Tier 2: Interviews

Goal of 50 Interviews per Region- 200 Total.Build on Survey - Expand to include more

detailed information on needs, career ladders, etc.

Local Workforce Investment Area Responsibility. Identify Businesses. Assist in Scheduling. Participate in Interviews.

Tier 3: Focus Groups

2 Focus Groups Per Region - 5 at State Level. 10 Businesses per Group. Present Preliminary Results, Identify Gaps,

Dialogue on Policy Options. Local Workforce Investment Area Responsibility.

Identify Businesses. Provide and Distribute Background Materials. Provide Location. Assist in Scheduling. Participate in Interviews.

Business Participation per Area Chart

# of Employer Contacts

Business Visitation

Focus Groups (# of Businesses)

Direct Mail

Each Alliance Area

330 50 40 240

Balance of State

40 0 40 0

Total Alliance

1,370 200 200 960

The Workforce Scan will provide the Upper Shore WIB the data to

Increase training opportunities in critical skill areas

Aggressively promote employment opportunities to job seekers

Customize services to meet specific business needs

Provide statistically valid data to education/training institutions for skill development