Career Education

Today's workforce requires educational institutions and the communities they serve to work closely together, especially in Career Education (CE) programs. Industry advisory committee members advise on and inform CE curriculum development, including new program development and modifications to existing programs, to ensure course and program content, materials, and equipment are aligned with industry needs.

Committee meetings and activities provide an opportunity for increased alignment and discussion between educators, business, and industry, focused on CE program improvement, developing talent pipelines, and getting students jobs.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the local CE advisory committee is to assist and provide recommendations to SRJC in establishing, operating, and evaluating programs that serve the needs of students, the community, business, and industry — including expertise on curriculum, technology, facilities, student competency, and job placement.

• To ensure students are trained with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by employers
• To ensure curriculum design and improvements are industry-informed and aligned to current industry standards and needs
• To maintain a continuous connection with industry for the benefit of students and the growth of a diversified student pipeline from education and training to employment

Local schools and institutions that operate Career Education programs and receive state and federal funds are required by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (CTEA) to establish and operate Program Advisory Committees.

Membership

Each committee is composed of a representative group of industry partners whose experience, abilities, and diversity reflect a cross-section of the occupational area. A membership of five to seven active industry representatives is recommended, reflecting a range of company sizes, employment levels, and the diversity of the student body. Committee membership is approved annually by the SRJC Board of Trustees.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

In support of the SRJC Strategic Plan, we aspire to be an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable learning community. We are committed to diversifying advisory committee membership through outreach to current employers, professional associations, the Workforce Development Board, the Chambers of Commerce, and labor and trade associations throughout Sonoma County.

For More Information

Download the Advisory Committee Handbook (PDF) 

Contact the Career Education office:

• Rachel Smith, Director of Workforce Development — rsmith@santarosa.edu 
• Brad Davis, Dean of Career Education — bdavis@santarosa.edu