Educators, Business Reps Team Up to Improve Work Force

Ventura County business representatives are teaming with local educators to come up with new curriculum to better prepare high school and community college students for entry into the work force.

The 3-year-old Tech Prep Consortium, one of 88 such groups in the state, is looking to provide students with skills needed for jobs in the business, automotive, manufacturing, communications, public service and health fields, said Phyllis Throckmorton, coordinator of the local consortium. Ventura County’s high schools, community colleges, adult education programs and the Regional Occupational Program are all represented in the consortium.

One of the group’s most significant achievements, she said, has been getting high schools and colleges to work together to plan their vocational programs, easing the transition for students going from high school to community college. Last year, for example, Oxnard High School launched a Hospitality and Tourism Program. The yearlong program combines course work, guest speakers and internships at local hotels, restaurants and tourism bureaus.

Also next fall, Rio Mesa High School in Oxnard is planning to introduce its Health Careers Academy. Students will be educated in the many work options available in the health industry, and then will be provided with hands-on experience in local hospitals, clinics and medical offices. Moorpark High School is in the process of planning a similar program.

The tech prep consortium runs under a philosophy similar to that of the federal School-to-Work Opportunities Act, signed by President Clinton in May, 1994. The federal program earmarked $300 million to help businesses nationwide provide apprentice programs for high school students in 1995. The program is to be funded through 1999.