A Focused and Integrated Approach to Work-based Learning – Lorain County Community College (Ohio)

Key Concepts

• Be client-focused, not program-focused
• Provide clients with “one doorway”
• Create a culture and structure that allows you to be client-focused

Background

Lorain County Community College, in Elyria, Ohio, does not have a Continuing Education Department. This is because they have created a mission and culture that ties the College closely to the learning needs of its surrounding community. All academic units at the College are to look outward and serve these needs. Each unit has an account executive who meets with local companies to help them determine specific work-based learning needs, and then draws on the College’s resources to meet these needs with customized programs. This may be in the form of a combination of both hard (usually technical) and soft skills training. Success is determined by agreed-upon measurable outcomes for the company, and for individual employees.

Lorain County Community College, in an effort to show commitment to this customer-driven model, and to demonstrate its skills in designing customized work-based training programs, offers companies’ free comprehensive training needs analysis.

The College positions itself to local companies as “Your Knowledge Resource,” or one-stop center for customized work-based learning programs. They have developed some innovative training contract options for companies, including the Corporate One-Stop Resource Partnership, and the Corporate University.

Corporate One-Stop Resource Partnership

Lorain County Community College services can become an integral part of an organization’s work-based learning efforts via their innovative Corporate One-Stop Resource Partnership (CORP) program. Organizations simply purchase an annual CORP contract, which establishes a single point of contact for all of LCCC's programs and facilities.

A CORP account executive manages the company’s access to courses, training opportunities and college facilities. All services are administered under one account, which streamlines programming and billing procedures. Plus, CORP members receive a 10% credit if the contract is satisfied within one calendar year. The benefits to companies include: centralized services, simplified administration and significant cost savings.

Corporate University

CORP partners can choose a more comprehensive link with Lorain County Community College by creating a Corporate University for their organization. All services and programs are branded with the company's corporate identity. The College documents the progress of all employees in a learning management system, and recommends coursework that will contribute to their continued growth. The Corporate University also provides access to customized course content, as well as bachelor's and master's degree programs via the College’s University Partnership.

Website

http://www.lorainccc.edu

< Back