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Hanover Research | December 2017 <br /> © 2017 Hanover Research 15 <br />Tech. Brantley (OC Development) pointed out that new businesses might be more interested <br />in opening in Orange County if Durham Tech could provi de training for employees on -site or <br />nearby. Similarly, Bassett (Chapel Hill) told Hanover that partnerships with Durham Tech <br />could be attractive to prospective employers considering Chapel Hill locations. The <br />anonymous participant suggested reaching out through the Chamber of Commerce and <br />informing local businesses that Durham Tech is ready to h elp create specialized training <br />programs. <br /> <br />PERCEPTION OF DURHAM TECH <br />Overall, local employer perception s of Durham Tech are very positive. Employers see Durham <br />Tech as “a great community partner,” “a major asset” and “community-builder,” and “an <br />important educational option for students in Orange County.” Interview participants noted <br />that Durham Tech programs are high-quality and that Durham Tech has “done a really good <br />job of incorporating Orange County interests .” All participants expressed the desire to <br />strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones with Durham Tech. <br /> <br />Impressions of the Orange County campus were positive, but with general agreement that <br />the campus is “underutilized.” Participants told Hanover the campus is a “premier,” “newer <br />and more beautiful” facility, a “very favorable, upscale place to learn.” However, other <br />participants see it simply as “a satellite campus” and suggested that there is not “broad <br />knowledge that it’s there ” among county employers. Carrillo (Frontier) had no complaints about <br />the campus itself but hoped that Durham Tech would “get more programs” at the Orange County <br />location. <br /> <br />Meanwhile, there is a contrast between perceptions of Durham Tech’s commitment to the <br />community and the local economy (very positive), and Durham Tech’s record of delivering <br />what Orange County needs (mixed). For example, Bassett views Durham Tech as “seeming <br />to struggle” with identifying the primary areas of need in Orange County. Strickler (UNC <br />Health Care) suggested that although Durham Tech is eager to help, it sometimes struggles <br />with “follow -through” on specifics. <br />Employers view Durham Tech as an important asset and a good <br />community partner. They hope that Durham Tech will expand its <br />offerings in Orange County, and focus on additional outreach to local <br />employers. For example, many small or new businesses may be <br />unaware of existing programs, or unaware that Durham Tech seeks <br />new employer partnerships in Orange County. <br />Employers think that Durham Tech offers high-quality programs, but <br />that it should expand marketing to students in Orange County. <br />Durham Tech could leverage positive perceptions of its Orange <br />County campus to attract new students.