Occupational education advisory committees are a requirement mandated by the California State Plan for Vocational Education. Committee recommendations should be considered in any development or review process. The committee’s role is to:

1.  Provide information about changes and developments in technology, the labor market and the workplace that will have an impact on programs of the college.

• Advise the college on changes in the labor market including jobs in greatest demand as well as those being phased out.

• Assess the need for supplemental upgrade training for people already employed.

• Provide occupational information, statistics and trends that affect training and education.

• Provide information on “state-of-the-art” technology relative to their fields.

• Assist in projecting the number of graduates from occupational programs who might be needed for employment in the community.

• Recommend new areas for which training should be developed.

• Assist in conducting community needs assessments and surveys.

2.  Make suggestions that would improve occupational curricula and programs of the college.

• Identify specific skills and technical information and requirements that should be included in programs and courses.

• Review program needs with regard to staffing and equipment.

• Make suggestions about occupational programs that should be established, expanded or discontinued.

• Provide up-to-date information on standards for occupational facilities and equipment.

• Assist in identifying potential instructors for occupational programs.

• Recommend guest speakers for classes and other gatherings.

• Assist the college with student follow-up.

• Advise the faculty, administration and the Board of Trustees in the development of policies and procedures affecting occupational programs.

3. Make recommendations that will foster closer cooperation, understanding and communication between the college and the business community.

• Assist with the recruitment of students.

• Identify work experience opportunities and job placement possibilities for students.

• Assist in the placement of students in internships, work experience or employment.

• Suggest ways to promote the occupational programs of the college through speaking engagements, newspaper, radio, television and other media.

• Serve as liaison to business, industry, professional associations and the college.

• Suggest field trip sites for purposes of relating classroom instruction to the workplace.

• Assist in identifying potential sources of financial support for occupational programs.