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16 <br />Workgroup on Work Force Development <br />Overall Strategy: By June 2009, effective systems will be in place to adequately train and <br />support residents and those who work in Orange County. At least 75 percent of all new jobs <br />in the county (for both new and expanding businesses) will be filled by county residents. <br />Why the strategy is critical: As the cost of living (particularly the cost of housing) has increased <br />in the county, it has become difTcult for low- and moderate-income workers to live here. Without <br />more training and support, county workers will be unable to support themselves and their families <br />and will be forced to seek various forms of public and private assistance to meet their basic needs <br />for food, shelter, clothing, and transportation. In the long run, these workers may choose to leave <br />the county, which may result in a worker shortage for certain businesses. <br />Key Sub-);lements and Action Steps: <br />A. Form partnerships with Durham Tech, UNC Chapel Hill, the Chapel Hi1VCarrboro <br />Schools, Orange County Schools, and others to provide adequate training and <br />education to enable county workers to obtain high quality jobs (t e jobs that pay a <br />living wage and offer comprehensive employee benefits and career advancement <br />potential). <br />1) Conduct an inventory of existing vocational and language programs at area high <br />schools <br />Z) Develop vocational courses in secondary schools that focus on skill needs for <br />existing and new,jobs while ensuring continued training for al] levels of jobs in the <br />service sector (i.e. child care, food preparation, etc,) <br />3) Continue discussions with Durham Tech to ensure the Orange County satellite <br />campus will offer a curriculum that provides training for existing and anticipated <br />,jobs in Orange County <br />4) Continue to ensure appropriate training programs via county participation in Work <br />Force Development Board while providing training for all level of;jobs in the <br />service sector (i.e. child care, food preparation, etc.) <br />5) Connect industry leaders with the higher education community to develop <br />strategies for maintaining industry training and support <br />6) Develop cooperative education and internship opportunities with UNC Hospitals <br />and other major employers <br />7) Work with RTRP to establish a regional alliance to develop a strategic plan for <br />curriculum support to targeted clusters <br />B. In coordination with Business Climate work group, help communicate to potential <br />workers the types of jobs the county wants and expects to create so that workers can <br />develop realistic career goals <br />I) Develop outreach plan that builds on the Business Climate Work Group's <br />definition of desirable businesses. <br />2) Work with RTRP to develop a regional workforce coordination strategy to <br />anticipate and support the changing needs of business <br />C. Promote access to living wage jobs that offer benefits and career advancement <br />potential <br />!) Develop an accurate living wage rate for Orange County that reflects child care, <br />housing, transportation and other costs. Promote this living wage rate to <br />employers <br />13 <br />