{"id":171,"date":"2024-03-22T01:22:23","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T01:22:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2024-volume-7-issue-1\/job-skills-for-today-and-tomorrow\/"},"modified":"2024-06-14T01:15:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-14T01:15:35","slug":"building-tomorrows-workforce-industry-partners-join-forces-with-dvc-to-cultivate-job-ready-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dvc.mycareerfocus.org\/summer-2024-volume-7-issue-1\/building-tomorrows-workforce-industry-partners-join-forces-with-dvc-to-cultivate-job-ready-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Industry Partners Join Forces with DVC to Cultivate Job-Ready Talent"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cI\u00a0<\/span>express myself creatively through film. When I was growing up, I had a hard time focusing on subjects I had no interest in. At DVC, I was able to enroll in the classes needed to pursue my career. I spent less than $1,000 and left knowing everything I needed to know,\u201d said Shawn Kosmakos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kosmakos enrolled in DVC\u2019s film, television, and electronic media (FTVE) program, where he earned a certificate of accomplishment in television arts \u2013 studio production.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During his time at DVC, Kosmakos made industry connections that helped him gain experience in his field. He has edited micro content and engaged in visual effects work for Guerilla Wanderers, and was a lead colorist for Farallon Creative. He also launched his own studio, Prominyo.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Shawn

Shawn Kosmakos<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI shot my first feature-length film, Vigilante Justice<\/i>, with a crew I met in classes at DVC. A year later, we started shooting A Film by Cool Jake<\/i> with much of the same crew, as well as members of the Las Positas College film program,\u201d said Kosmakos.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Matt Townley is the co-founder and executive producer with Gorilla Creative, a full-service video production studio, and a DVC alum. He knows first-hand how DVC can make an impact for both students and area employers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy first encounter with DVC was during high school when I enrolled in college classes to graduate early. After graduating high school, I continued taking DVC classes while working,\u201d said Townley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As an industry partner, guest speaker, mock interviewer, and FTVE advisory board member, Townley feels it\u2019s essential that students enrolled in creative classes attain the skills employers are seeking.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStudents often feel there is a disconnect between classroom learning and the skills needed on the job. This can contribute to a lack of motivation, not to mention the actual skills gap it creates. The more we can close the gap, the better,\u201d said Townley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This perception of a disconnect is often shared by employers. A 2022 Harvard Business School study<\/a> found that just 26 percent of employers strongly agreed that community colleges produce work-ready employees. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But this same study also indicated that nearly two-thirds of the employers surveyed had taken no action to collaborate with community colleges. As such, the employers were not able to fully assess the accuracy of their assumptions. This means they may have been overlooking the community college talent pipeline due to unfounded reputational bias.The lack of employer engagement is also a disadvantage for a generation of students who could benefit from early exposure to industry insights, mentorship and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a Fast Company article<\/a> about the study, Harvard Business School\u2019s Joseph Fuller recommends that employers contribute to developing the curriculum and programs needed to produce the skilled employees they need. This is exactly what DVC has been doing for many years through advisory boards associated with its academic program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

By becoming a member of the FTVE advisory board, Townley knew he would have a hand in shaping the local talent pool, which he knew would benefit his business.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs someone who depends on freelancers to run and grow our business, having an opportunity to meet students who I know are getting trained with the skills we need gives us an advantage,\u201d said Townley.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Townley is aware that not all careers require a bachelor\u2019s degree \u2013 especially creative careers that focus on artistic talent and specific skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI look at education through the lens of a cost-benefit analysis. For students eyeing a creative career, there\u2019s immense value in the focused, practical training that DVC offers,\u201d said Townley.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sahra Bhimji, professor of film production for DVC, agrees. She notes that FTVE\u2019s industry partners often express how impressed they are with DVC\u2019s resources.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think sometimes there is an assumption that community college students lack access to \u2018real\u2019 equipment. But when they see our digital cameras, our state-of-the-art production studio, and our new computer labs, a lot of them say, \u2018Gee, I should\u2019ve gone to DVC,\u2019\u201d said Bhimji.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more information, visit www.dvc.edu\/ftve<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

DVC students meet local workforce needs<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

DVC\u2019s dental programs are renowned throughout the Bay Area and beyond, with graduates who are sought-after by dental practices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOver the past 10 years in dentistry, assistants have been hard to find across the country. DVC dental programs fill a vital role by providing highly trained, job-ready candidates,\u201d said Dr. Don Schmitt, pediatric dentist and owner of Schmitt & Saini Pediatric Dentistry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Schmitt\u2019s practice has partnered with DVC for over 30 years, hosting dental assistant students and referring their assistants to DVC\u2019s dental hygiene program. Schmitt also serves on DVC\u2019s dental advisory board.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn the past, we have partnered with other schools, but we had to stop because those students were not trained to anywhere near the high standards set by DVC,\u201d said Schmitt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mischa

Mischa Alemania<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Mischa Alemania completed an associate in science and certificate of achievement in dental assisting in May 2024. She chose DVC\u2019s program because she heard positive feedback from dental alumni and professionals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe DVC dental programs prepare you well for your future in dentistry. The professors are extremely supportive,\u201d said Alemania.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alemania enjoyed the hands-on training she received, both within the DVC program and through her externship.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been able to gain experience as well as get connected with professionals in the dental field. Being around people who have been in your shoes and have succeeded is a great way to accumulate knowledge and access varying perspectives,\u201d said Alemania.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Colleen Shipp, the dental assisting program director at DVC, notes that she receives multiple calls daily from dentists interested in hiring dental assistant graduates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur students can work for a community dentist while enrolled and complete a paid externship, enabling them to be paid during the program,\u201d said Shipp.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Marcella<\/p>\n

Marcella Pittam earned an associate in science in kinesiology from DVC and a bachelor\u2019s degree in kinesiology from Cal State East Bay. She then returned to DVC and graduated with her associate in science in dental hygiene in May 2024.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat I loved most about the dental hygiene program is the community it creates. My classmates, professors, and the clinic office staff made the experience so memorable,\u201d said Pittam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like Alemania, Pittam has found the hands-on experience to be one of the most exciting aspects of the program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor two years, we can gain invaluable experience at the clinic, under the supervision of our professors. We help our local community with low-cost dental cleanings while we work towards becoming the strong dental hygienists we will be! We also volunteer at OLE Health Clinic in Napa for six weeks, which provides a realistic experience of what it will be like working in a private practice setting,\u201d said Pittam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to OLE Health, the dental hygiene program partners with several other dental offices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPacific Dental Services sponsors a hygienist-in-training program that provides dental hygiene students an opportunity to work in a dental office prior to licensure. We also partner with Contra Costa Public Health\u2019s Give Kids a Smile program, as well as Dentists on Wheels, an organization that provides free dental services to underserved populations in Contra Costa County,\u201d said Tonette Steeb, the director of dental hygiene at DVC.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

For more information, visit:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n