This content was published: November 15, 1996. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
PCC and Partners Sign Agreement to Boost Semiconductor Industry Training Programs
Photos and Story by Susan Hereford
In a unique partnership, Mt. Hood Community College, Portland Community College and the Portland Development Commission have agreed to share non-proprietary educational and training resources relevant to the semiconductor industry. This effort will provide equal access to programs to residents of the greater Portland metropolitan area; serve industry needs for a high quality work force; and benefit the colleges through leveraging of resources.
An official signing will take place at the regular monthly meeting of the Portland Development Commission, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 10:30 a.m., 1120 S.W. Fourth Avenue, 11th floor.
"The result of this agreement will be the establishment of a comprehensive semiconductor training system for the entire area that maximizes the cost effectiveness of education and training delivery," said Dan Moriarty, president of Portland Community College.
As part of the agreement, the partners will identify and share resources such as faculty, facilities, recruitment activities and semiconductor industry needs assessments. The program will also accommodate articulation and transferability where appropriate between the partners. In addition, the partners will share training curriculum developed to serve the needs of area semiconductor companies. They will announce the availability of this curriculum to other Oregon community colleges through the Oregon Economic Development Department, the Semiconductor Workforce Consortium, the Office of Community College Services and other state and local workforce development organizations.
"Our future success depends on our ability to continue to create meaningful partnerships among government, educational institutions and the microelectronics industry," said Joel Vela, Mt. Hood Community College president. "We have a long history of partnerships, but this one is unique in that it is formalized. It’s about maximizing limited resources, being responsive to the needs of industry, providing opportunities for our students and being accountable to our constituencies. The challenges are too great and resources too limited without doing things together," Vela continued.
"This is a very significant agreement," said Jan Burreson, PDC executive director. "It brings us a long way toward meeting the nearly overwhelming needs of the industry and PDC is very pleased and proud to be a partner in this effort."