Accelerated Diesel Mechanic Program: A Model for Successful Training

Transcription

1 Accelerated Diesel Mechanic Program: A Model for Successful Training Leticia Barajas, Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Jess Guerra, Vice Chair, Transportation Technology Department Los Angeles Trade-Technical College Moderated By: Marcia Wilson, Director of Workforce Development Programs and Grants Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

2 What does acceleration mean to you?? Let s think outside the box LATTC s Definition of Acceleration - Completion of a program in a shorter period of time, while achieving equal or better results than in a traditional format

3 Accelerated Diesel Mechanic Program Need WIA-funded collaboration with local WorkSource Center Employer Demand Over 20 transit-related regional employers Need for intense technical trainings vs. previous short-term training program (Bus Driver training) Job and certificate attainment critical Opportunity to pilot a new strategy for career technical program completion

4 Diesel Program: Accelerated vs. Traditional Accelerated Cohort-based; enrollment restricted to initial cohort 10-month Program Integrated soft skills and workplace success workshops and class assignments One tenured faculty member assigned to all courses in program 90% Student Certificate Completion Rate within two years Traditional Course enrollment open each term; noncohort based 2+ Year Program Minimal integration of soft-skills Instructor changes each term depending on course; combination adjunct and tenured ~60% Student Completion Rate

5 RECRUITMENT ADM Program Design ORIENTATION / ASSESSMENT/ INTERVIEWS CANDIDATE SELECTION 10 MONTH DIESEL MECHANIC PROGRAM (LATTC) COMPLETION OF PROGRAM 7 contextualized modules Exposure to Diesel industry-site visits Intro to Post-Secondary Education GED Prep Noncredit- ESL Entry Level Employment as a Diesel Technician Continued Education- A/S Degree INTERNSHIP (PAID OR UNPAID)

6 Key Element #1-Modular Approach Students learn much more when they are assigned a very specific subject at a time. Many programs are very broad and require students to be well rounded in their field Group similar topics together with a definite beginning an definite end. Students can be evaluated on each module rather than on a series of topics Seven modules were used in ADM class rather than the traditional four

7 Key Element #2-Student Team Approach Students are assigned to study groups/teams within the class Groups are also encouraged to work with other groups in the class This helps individual students keep up with the fast pace of the course These must be formal groups

8 Key Element #3-Online Instructional Support Integration of Learning Management System (LMS) into every class LMS is not only for online classes Students may need basic computer literacy training Many types of assignments: subject specific, Mahara, etc.

9 Key Element #4- Continuous Assessment Student progress and program delivery assessment is a must! Bi-weekly review of individual student performance Meeting with students to provide assistance and mentoring Evaluate the effectiveness of your instruction, program set-up, activities, etc.

10 Program Outcomes Accelerated Diesel Mechanic began with 32 participants-30 students successfully completed the program with a Certificate Students not only learned technical skills related to major but also soft skills, financial literacy and computer skills

11 Next Steps - Accelerating Degree Attainment Block scheduling with graduation plan pathway courses Request for Instructors Make teaching acceleration program competitive Expanding to other high demand programs Administrative Considerations Cost, determining how many programs to accelerate, and ensuring labor market demand

12 Conclusion The academy or accelerated approach provides a new learning model It is an effective, fast track training program for new or displaced/dislocated workers who need an alternative to traditional technical training programs Contact Leticia Barajas [email protected] Jess Guerra [email protected] Marcia Wilson [email protected]

13 Questions and Discussion Accelerated Diesel Mechanic Class of 2011