Delivering economic development in the context of financial crisis: a workforce gap analysis of the Sacramento regional economy

Alexander H. Taghavian

doi:10.17918/etd-4289

Workforce development represents a central priority in a comprehensive effort to create wealth, industry thickening, and broad-based prosperity. From the onset of the Great Recession in 2007, the Sacramento Region experienced anemic economic growth and remained behind the nation in job creation. Contextualized in the aftermath of the economic crisis (2007-2009), today there is need for those in postsecondary public education to have deeper understanding of emerging workforce development and training needs; ensuring that those jobs being strategically created by corporations and industry are being well supported by programs offered through community colleges. In this mixed-methods study, the researcher sought to capture a depiction of the current and future workforce needs across industry clusters that define the economy of the six county Sacramento Region in Northern California. Survey research collected data from senior leaders who were members of either the Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce or Next Economy, the Regions collaborative economic revitalization initiative established in 2012. Comparisons were made between the primary industries representing the regions economic competitiveness: agriculture and food, advanced manufacturing, information and communications technology, life science and health services, clean energy technology, and other industries. Interviews with senior leaders from each cluster were conducted and analyzed to gain rich, descriptive insights into the identified needs. The synthesis of the survey and interview analysis led to three thematic findings: 1) technological competencies and applications in the workplace; 2) workforce trends during the Great Recession; and 3) workforce gaps. From the findings, three results were drawn which suggest that employers require greater technological and soft skills training from educators, economic volatility affects industry differently in terms of workforce dynamics, and employers view a baccalaureate degree as the minimum required for employability in professional occupations. The study concluded and recommended teaching digital applications through social processes, improving transfer pathways to universities, and developing a comprehensive education strategy to mirror the regions prosperity plan. Alliances between employers and community colleges vary among industry clusters; those engaged in reciprocal partnerships offer a model for others to emulate. By partnering with business, community colleges may help to advance economic development and position the region for sustainable growth.

Delivering economic development in the context of financial crisis: a workforce gap analysis of the Sacramento regional economy

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Delivering economic development in the context of financial crisis: a workforce gap analysis of the Sacramento regional economy

Files and links (1)

Abstract

Metrics

Details

Drexel University Social media