The Bridge to Advanced Technological Education is an outgrowth of a program in Chicago called the Chicago Manufacturing Technology Bridge. The Chicago program was launched in 1997. The following is an overview of our activities.
Goals
Services
Partners
Entrance Requirements
End Products
Curriculum
Results to Date
Funding
Lessons Learned
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Survey of Hiring Needs and Practices of Chicago Manufacturers
External Evaluation of the Chicago Manufacturing Technology Bridge Program 1997-1999
External Evaluation of the Chicago Manufacturing Technology Bridge Program (Appendix)
Goals
- Prepare residents of disadvantaged Chicago communities for career-path employment in manufacturing
- Provide foundation for career-long learning on-the-job and in formal technical education and training
- Help alleviate the skilled worker shortage facing Chicago-area manufacturers
Services
- Intensive 16-week instruction in technical fundamentals and employment skills
- Case management and counseling
- Paid internships during training
- Job placement assistance and follow-up support
- Advanced placement in community college advanced certificate/associate degree programs in manufacturing technology
Partners
Instituto del Progreso Latino provides recruitment, counseling, case management, job placement and follow-up support, and is one of the sites for instruction.
Richard J. Daley College provides instruction at community sites and in on-campus manufacturing lab, and recruits program graduates into college-level programs in manufacturing technology.
University of Illinois at Chicago provides coordination support and technical assistance on program design, planning and funding.
Illinois Institute of Technology serves as a technical advisor to the project.
Chicago Manufacturing Center acts as an advisory board and provides industry linkages, and assists in marketing the program.
Mayor's Office of Workforce Development assists with linkages to the larger workforce development system in Chicago.
Entrance Requirements
- 8th grade math and reading (or intermediate ESL)
- Some work history
- Demonstrated motivation
- Empowerment Zone resident or low-income/ unemployed
End-Product: Qualified Entry-Level Skilled Operator
Employable: Drug free, strong work habits, positive attitude
Trainable: 9th grade math and reading, able to listen, communicate orally and in writing, solve problems and work in teams
Technically Literate: Able to do basic shop math, use measurement instruments, read blueprints and schematics, use computers, operate machines
Curriculum
Click here to download the current version of the Technology Learning Skills Bridge curriculum for the Chicago program.
Results to Date
- 150 graduates through 7/99
- > 85% placed at median starting wage of $9.44 per hour
- Retention study in progress
- > 25% enrolled in community college college-credit programs in manufacturing technology
- 2 classes (day and evening) of 15-20 each enrolled in Fall 1999
Click here to download the most recent external evaluation of the Chicago program.
Click here to download the accompanying appendix to the external evaluation of the Chicago program.
Funding
Operational funding comes from:Technical assistance funding comes from:
- Chicago Empowerment Zone
- Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs
- Illinois Employment Training Centers (aka One-Stops)
- NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership
- NSF Advanced Technological Education Program
- John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
What We've Learned
Some keys to effective bridge programs:
- Involve industry in curriculum development, instructor recruitment, student internships, equipment loans, and testing and placement of graduates
- Expose students to the learning demands of the advanced technology workplace through competency-based, contextual instruction and internships in industry.
- Track student progress and provide case management, counseling and follow-up support
- Actively work with supplier programs to ensure readiness of entering students
- Create community-business partnerships that meet the workforce needs of both employers and job seekers.