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Program Advisory Committees

Local Advisory Committees in CTE play a crucial role in aligning our educational programs with industry needs and ensuring that students receive relevant training.

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The main goals of local Career Technical Education Advisory Committees are:

• To study the educational needs of a specific career and technical program and to make recommendations to the College program faculty and administration.
• To interpret the program to the communities served and the communities’ needs to the College.
• To furnish specialized information and advice on technical requirements for the effective operation of the program.
• To provide channels of communication between the College and the various organizations and agencies of the community interested in the program.
• To further a cooperative relationship between the College and the resource agencies of the community in support of the program.

8070 - The governing board of each school district participating in a career technical education program shall appoint a career technical education advisory committee to develop recommendations on the program and to provide liaison between the district and potential employers. The committee shall consist of one or more representatives of the general public knowledgeable about the disadvantaged, students, teachers, business, industry, school administration, and the field office of the Department of Employment Development.

The report emphasizes that building strong partnerships with local employers can make a big impact on your CTE students’ career readiness and job prospects. So, what can I do about this? Start by using your advisory committee meetings to actively strengthen these connections. Invite local employers to discuss the specific skills they need in your graduates, and then work with them to identify ways your curriculum can address those needs. Small adjustments, like adding real-world projects or skills assessments based on industry input, can make a big difference. This approach not only gives students a clear path to employment but also shows employers the value your program brings to the workforce.

One of the biggest barriers is the cultural mismatch between colleges and employers. Colleges often focus on academic metrics, while employers want students who are work-ready. What can I do about this? Start by inviting employers to share their specific needs and insights directly with your advisory committee, then integrate their feedback into your course plans. Simple questions like, “What are some immediate skills you wish students had on day one?” can reveal valuable insights. Making small changes, like updating terminology in class materials to match industry standards, can help align students’ learning with job expectations and give them a competitive edge.

Structural issues also make partnerships less stable. Many collaborations rely on individual relationships, which can fall apart if someone changes jobs or if funding shifts. What can I do about this? One practical step is to suggest designating a “point person” within your advisory committee or rotating the role so someone is always focused on partnership maintenance. Additionally, keeping shared records—such as meeting notes, employer contacts, and curriculum feedback—in an online folder accessible to all committee members can help ensure continuity if someone leaves or priorities shift.

Finally, consistent communication around the value of these partnerships is crucial. Many employers and faculty don’t see the full benefit of collaboration, so regularly asking “What’s in it for us?” helps keep both sides engaged. What can I do about this? Start each advisory meeting by sharing recent student success stories, highlighting ways graduates have benefited local businesses, or inviting employers to provide direct feedback on course content. These simple updates reinforce the impact of your work and help keep everyone motivated to invest in these partnerships. By following these steps, your advisory committee can create a sustainable, high-impact pathway for students into local careers.