Rhode Island Takes Steps to Prepare State’s Workforce for High-Paying Jobs in Knowledge Economy
July 13, 2010 | Print this page | Share This |
Governor Carcieri, General Assembly Implement Recommendations of CCRI 21st Century Workforce Commission, Strengthening Rhode Island’s Workforce Development Capacity
Recognizing that a skilled workforce is a critical component in positioning Rhode Island to compete for new economic opportunities, state leaders have acted to ensure workers get the necessary skills to obtain technology and innovation-driven jobs.
Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed two bills into law on June 29, 2010 that address key recommendations made by the CCRI 21st Century Workforce Commission established to develop a state-led strategic approach to workforce development at the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
In response to the Commission’s recommendations, the General Assembly appropriated $240,000 for CCRI to strengthen its workforce development efforts and passed legislation to statutorily redefine CCRI’s mission to include workforce development and require the Governor’s Workforce Board to create and oversee a Career Pathways System in Rhode Island.
In April 2010, Governor Carcieri, Speaker Gordon D. Fox, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) released the Commission’s report Community College of Rhode Island: Building a 21st Century Workforce. The report outlines specific steps to strengthen CCRI’s position as a key institution in the state’s ongoing effort to educate workers for high-paying jobs in the 21st century knowledge economy.
The idea for the Commission grew out of the RIEDC’s 2008 Economic Growth Plan and was established by Governor Carcieri and the General Assembly that year. The Commission, chaired by Armeather Gibbs, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the United Way of Rhode Island, was comprised of both public and private representatives.
“As our economy and workforce needs have evolved, it has become necessary to re-examine the role CCRI plays within the workforce development system and to align resources more strategically,” said Governor Donald L. Carcieri. “In response to the CCRI Commission report, Rhode Island has created a framework that will guide CCRI toward a more industry-focused role in the workforce development system, while enhancing career pathways for students.”
"CCRI represents the focal point of our state's ability to move forward economically. Through its workforce preparation efforts, CCRI provides Rhode Island's businesses with the human capital that makes companies grow. It acts as the gateway for a new generation to access higher education and contribute to our knowledge-based economy. By strategically aligning CCRI's actions with the state's goals and resources, all Rhode Islanders benefit," said Speaker Gordon D. Fox.
"CCRI plays a critical role in preparing Rhode Islanders for their first jobs and retraining individuals for new jobs as skill requirements evolve. Ensuring that Rhode Islanders have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century is one of the most important steps we can take to grow jobs and improve the economy. The strategic alignment of CCRI with Rhode Island employers will enable the creation of a statewide career pathways system driven by industry needs," said President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed.
Nationwide, community colleges are seen as the workhorses of education and training and as an invaluable resource. Rhode Island officials, education leaders and the business community have been swift to embrace the report’s recommendations and take action to enhance CCRI’s ability to educate workers to succeed in an ever-changing economy.
The General Assembly passed the two bills at the conclusion of the 2010 legislative session.
The first measure (2010-S2823 and H8181) changes the statutory purpose of CCRI and re-defines the institution as “a workforce development center,” with a chief purpose “to offer all students the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for intellectual, professional and personal growth by providing an array of academic, career and lifelong learning programs, while contributing to Rhode Island’s economic development and the needs of the region’s workforce.”
The second bill (2010-S2836aa and H8220) requires the Governor’s Workforce Board to establish and oversee a Career Pathways System to increase the skill level of Rhode Island workers in alignment with evolving industry needs. The Career Pathways System will be overseen by a 15-member task force which will include the RIEDC executive director and the director of CCRI’s Center for Workforce and Community Education.
"Workforce development is a key factor in growing any economy. The RIEDC is thrilled to have been the catalyst in developing and guiding the CCRI Commission. We are grateful to Governor Carcieri and the General Assembly for their leadership in fulfilling the Commission’s recommendations," said RIEDC Executive Director Keith Stokes. "Developing a qualified and well-trained workforce is imperative for the success of Rhode Island's economy. Companies looking to grow and relocate to Rhode Island need to know they have the human resources to ensure success."
Over the past decade, several states have elected to organize their education, economic development, employers, social services and workforce development services around a career pathways framework.
A career pathways system is a series of connected education and training programs and support services that enable individuals to secure employment within a specific industry or occupational sector and to advance over time to successive higher levels of education and employment in that sector. Community colleges play a linchpin role in fostering career pathways.
"We appreciate the recognition of CCRI's significant role in the development of a workforce development solution for our state. I want everyone to know we embrace that role, and we look forward to working together with our colleagues in government and in business to move Rhode Island forward toward economic recovery and revitalization," said CCRI President Ray Di Pasquale. “Ensuring that our graduates have the skills they need to participate in a knowledge-based economy is one of the most important things we can do to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for our citizens.”
CCRI plays a key role in preparing Rhode Islanders for their first jobs and in retraining individuals for new jobs as skill requirements evolve. With more than 18,000 students and four campuses throughout the state, CCRI is a key supplier of Rhode Island’s workforce.
“Rhode Island has been at the forefront of states that recognize the role that community colleges play in economic development. Through the initiation of a commission and the willingness to act upon its findings, the state is positioning itself to meet the educational demands of a 21st Century workforce,” said Julian Alssid, Executive Director of the Workforce Strategy Center (WSC).
WSC works with education, workforce development and economic development agencies to develop strategies to help students and workers succeed and regional economies grow. WSC worked with the CCRI Commission to develop its report and recommendations.
For a copy of the full CCRI Commission Report, please visit: www.riedc.com
