Dive Brief:
- Dunwoody College of Technology Provost Jeff Ylinen argues colleges must increase the hands-on skills of students before sending them into the workforce.
- Pairing theory and practice in classes and creating real-world opportunities on campus are two ways colleges can do that without coordinating industry experience for their students.
- Ylinen also says college administrators have the responsibility of cultivating employer relationships, though, so curriculum can continue to reflect the needs of the workforce.
Dive Insight:
Ylinen’s call to action for administrators in tech schools and tech programs is based on the skills gap that the United States labor market is already experiencing and that is expected to increase in coming years. While employers are doing their part by creating apprentice programs and stepping up their own training efforts, Ylinen argues that administrators must make sure they are readying students for waiting jobs. Keeping curriculum relevant, offering opportunities for students to familiarize themselves with new technology, and consistently pairing theory with practice are all steps in the right direction.