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SHORELINE - The Automotive Training and Career Opportunities Partnership (ATCOP) at Shoreline Community College (SCC) has received a Governor’s Award for Best Practices in workforce development for the College’s General Service Technician (GST) training program.
This honor, awarded by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, WTB, (www.wtb.wa.gov) recognizes local and regional agencies, organizations, and community and technical colleges for their leadership and excellence in design, program, and results in workforce development. There were 21 projects nominated for this award with six programs selected to receive the Governor’s Award.
“We are recognizing the entrepreneurial culture that is essential to workforce development efforts,” said WTB Board Chair, David Harrison. “We looked for programs that are innovative, replicable, and transferable – the key elements of a best practice.”
The General Service Technician program was developed as a result of a two-year, $1.5 million grant provided by the U.S. Department of Labor given to the College in 2004. The program is an entry-level automotive technician curriculum which can be nationally disseminated among secondary schools and Job Corps Centers. In addition, the program was recognized for providing GST training to students with limited English proficiency, out-of-school youth and dislocated workers.
ESL and ABE instructors work side-by-side with the automotive instructors to ensure student success, and students experience paid internships. Students who complete the 45-credit, industry-certified automotive curriculum, earn a Certificate of Proficiency and move easily into entry-level positions as general service technicians, making livable salaries. The GST program is a public/private partnership effort with Toyota Motor Sales, USA.
SCC President Lee Lambert accepted the award at this year’s Workforce and Economic Development Leadership Conference held at the Tacoma Sheraton Hotel Nov. 13-15, 2007. He was joined by Aaron Helenihi, District Representative of Toyota Motor Sales, USA and Jesus Jasso, a second year student and graduate of the GST program.
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