The Watson College will introduce a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Learning and Development in fall 2024. On August 10, WCE hosted a breakfast with leaders from the military, business, government and the broader community to discuss the new program. UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety, Brigadier General Robert Cooley, Dr. Chris English, Bo Dean and John Downing spoke at the event, and shared insights on the importance of workforce development regionally and across the state.
“In today’s market, recruiting and retaining talent is a challenge,” Chancellor Volety said. “Trades are important to the economy, and there are currently few programs that support advancement in the trades. UNCW seeks to serve the region and state and our new Workforce Learning and Development program is one more way to do that. The program is designed to prepare highly skilled workers to teach others what they know. We are grateful for your partnership as we introduce this new program.”
Brigadier General Robert Cooley, a graduate of West Point who retired following a 37 year career in the military where he most recently served as Chief of Staff, Army Reserve Command, shared insights from a military perspective.
“The military is the world’s largest corporation,” he said. “It doesn’t work based on supply and demand. The military is linear. There are few entry points. Our focus is to attract, recruit and train. Workforce development is one of the net contributors to our employees and families around the world.”
BG Cooley thanked UNCW for its commitment to the military, and said he saw a lot of potential for the university’s new WLD program.
“UNCW is approaching this right, bringing a nexus of thought leaders together,” Cooley said. “There are three segments in workforce learning: the workers, the employers, and those who study the work and the science of work. The military is currently very transitional. We recruit for four to six years. Workforce learning and development provides an opportunity to grow and expand with a stronger value proposition and a longer term focus that provides a career pathway from the military to academia to business and back.”
Chris English is president of Southeastern Community College. Dr. English began his career as a mechanic, earned an AAS degree, then helped Blue Ridge Community College grow their automotive program from three students to more than 100. But, as a community college instructor it was hard to find a college that would take his AAS degree in core hours toward a bachelor’s degree, he said. As a community college leader, he has worked hard to eliminate these barriers and open pathways for those in the trades.
“Skilled trades are undervalued,” he said. “And, in many fields, skilled technicians are aging out. The average mechanic is now 58. The average HVAC is 60. There’s good money in trades so we need to change that mindset. Strong courses and strong business/industry partnerships that give students experiential learning can be hugely successful.”
Following their presentations, BG Cooley and Dr. English joined Bo Dean and John Downing on a panel where they discussed ways workforce learning and development can be applied in their respective fields. Dean is Senior Human Relations Analyst for Learning and Development with New Hanover County and Downing is Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at Cape Fear Community College. David Wells, program lead for WCE’s new Workforce Learning & Development program moderated the panel discussion.
“The discussion was dynamic and engaging,” said Watson College Associate Dean Angela Housand. “Our speakers shared expertise from a wide range of perspectives, and clearly established the need for strong workforce development programs in our region. We appreciate their support and look forward to building on these valuable partnerships as we introduce the new Workforce Learning program.”
UNCW will introduce the Workforce Learning & Development BS in fall 2024. The program is designed for military service members, veterans and mid-career professionals in the skilled trades. Courses are offered in instructional design, learning design, adult education, training & development and leadership studies. The program is offered entirely online and applied learning opportunities are offered throughout the program. UNCW will begin accepting applications in February.
For more information visit the WLD website or contact program lead David Wells at wellswd@uncw.edu.
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