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Hanover Research | December 2017 <br /> © 2017 Hanover Research 4 <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATIONS <br />▪ Hanover recommends that Durham Tech expand the following programs in Orange <br />County: public safety, information technology, and health technology. These <br />programs meet the demands of the largest employers in the county, and offer training <br />in skills that are currently needed in the workforce . <br />▪ Durham Tech should consider adjusting its offerings to accommodate a wider variety <br />of students. Working adults would likely benefit from night and weekend programs, <br />while high school students need career readiness training, apprenticeships, and <br />internships. <br />▪ Durham Tech shoul d consider expanding its advertising and communication in Orange <br />County, including by reaching out to small businesses and high schools. Employers <br />report that there is limited awareness of Durham Tech’s offerings in Orange County. <br /> <br />KEY FINDINGS <br />▪ Local employers believe Durham Tech offers high-quality programs and would like <br />to see expanded offerings and schedules at the Orange County campus. Some <br />interview participants suggested that the Orange County campus is underutilized and <br />that Durham Tech should try to grow its presence in the county . Others mentioned <br />that adult students and workers would be nefit from an expanded schedule, including <br />night and weekend programs at the Orange County campus. <br />▪ Interview participants agreed on several degree and training programs that are <br />needed in Orange County. In general, these programs would meet the needs of the <br />largest employers in Orange Cou nty, and provide training in those skills that are most <br />required across industries. The most in -demand programs include: <br />o Credit programs in health technology, information technology and public safety <br />o Non-credit programs in career readiness , industrial training, and culinary arts <br />o Apprenticeships for skilled trades, internships for high school students, and <br />tailored training programs for specific employers <br />▪ Durham Tech can more effectively partner with employers in Orange County by <br />reaching out to a broader market and by advertising its willingness to partner in a <br />variety of areas. Some of the most prominent employers in O range County (e.g., local <br />government and UNC Health Care) are already partnering with, or interested in <br />partnering with Durham Tech. However, not all employers are aware of Durham <br />Tech’s offerings, and new or small businesses (especially those that do not participate <br />in the Chamber of Commerce) may not know that Durham Tech is interested in <br />pursuing partnerships. Additional outreach and advertising could create <br />opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, and workforce training. <br />▪ Employer perceptions of Durham Tech are very posit ive, but there are gaps in <br />communication between Durham Tech and employers. All the local stakeholders