"Targeting the Future - that's what we feel like we have been doing all along at Tech Prep," said Pat Bubb, Tech Prep's Executive Director. The release of the 2011 Tech Prep Labor Market Information Report, Targeting the Future, at the Valley Partnership on September 21 prompted positive comments and discussion of economic trends from employers, educators, workforce professionals, chambers of commerce, and economic development experts.

2011 Labor Market Information Report Wins Rave Reviews

Tech Prep's annual Labor Market Information Report provides critical, up-to-date data on targeted jobs and the education needed for them. Tech Prep targeted jobs, which are both in-demand and well-paid, require technical skills acquired in high school and during post-secondary education or training. A workforce strong on skilled employees attracts new businesses to the region and allows existing firms to grow. "Many educators have not known that business people and economic developers see teachers as the first link and the foundation for economic growth," Bubb explained. Tech Prep is helping people understand the link between education and economic development. She views Tech Prep's primary function as communicating with school districts and universities about the job market with the goal of helping students succeed in higher education and in careers.

"This is amazing information. We're proud to participate," said Linda McKenna, CEO of Valley Partnership. Her personal life experience and her service on the Texas State Technical College System Board of Regents have shown her the importance of offering educational stepping stones to young adults. "As a Regional Chamber of Commerce, we support and encourage continued collaboration between education and business," said Linda McKenna. "The linkage between education, employment, and economic development is important for our region's success."

Jack Damron, Executive Director of the Region One Education Service Center, stated, "The information in Tech Prep's Labor Market Rreport helps school districts provide counseling and advisement for students and their families. Helping students understand the relationship between academic studies and workforce success provides relevance and motivates students to study hard and do well in their classes." Damron continued: "The educators in our public schools are dedicated to meeting the increased demand for more rigorous instruction in our classrooms, and are deeply committed to helping students to be better prepared for college readiness and career success."

Ernesto Silva, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation Board Chair, stated that the information in the report is right on target. Stated Silva, "I'm an optimist! The economy is bound to turn around, and some jobs are always going to be there. The need for those jobs—such as constructing places for people to live—will always be there." With support of the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, Tech Prep has added improvements to the report, including showcasing Harlingen businesses, for the past three years.

The 2011 report includes information designed to help students understand the basics of personal financial management. New topics in Section 5 included topics about deductions taken from paychecks, the need to make debt, the fact that earnings increase over time, and need to compare cost of living in the Valley with other parts of the state and the nation.

Richard Vaughan, Tech Prep Board Chair and chairman of the Board for Burton Companies, stated, "Tech Prep strives for excellence. We want to do the best job possible with the information we share in this report." Vaughan encouraged the participants meeting to send Tech Prep their ideas via email
to assist with the 2012 update of the report.

Printed in limited numbers, the full report is available online at www.techpreprgv.com.