Industry Perspectives on Improving High School Educational Pathways into the Manufacturing and High-Tech Workforce

• In Event: 4340 - Children, Youth and Institutions

Abstract

This study examines the need for young workers in manufacturing and high-tech industry with an emphasis on what employers see as deficits in technical skills and industry knowledge gained in middle school and high school. This study draws from interviews with 27 employers from Tampa Bay area manufacturing and high-tech companies, most of whom actively work with local secondary and higher education to coordinate educational programs to prepare students for the workforce. These employers also serve on community workforce boards and host industry for students and parents. Employers actively worked to create high school programs in which students learn hands-on technical skills and gain knowledge about the local job market. Employers believed high school students could right away and/or after graduation. Many employers directly facilitated these opportunities through internships and apprenticeships that directly recruited from local high schools. Employers wanted these young workers to plan their post-secondary schooling based on industry need and career aspirations with the assistance of company tuition reimbursement programs. Employers believed this pathway was preferable to enrolling in four-year universities without specific career goals. These industry perspectives suggest a reconsideration of how we understand traditional school to work transitions. This study is part of a larger study of pathways into “good tech jobs” from high schools and community colleges. The paper draws from a book in progress on the employability skills desired by STEM-related industries and how those skills are taught and learned in high school engineering and engineering technology themed career and technical education courses.

Author

• Will Tyson, University of South Florida