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Fall 2010 Advisory Committee Survey
Compiled by the Skagit Valley College Office of Institutional Research
Maureen Pettitt, Ph.D., Director
George Fuhr, Ph.D., Analyst
January 2011
Skagit Valley College’s Office of Institutional Research created a survey instrument for
Professional/Technical Program Advisory Committee member in a web-based format. The survey is presented in Appendix A. The survey was available to respondents between November 9, 2010 and January 3, 2011. Ninety-four (94) individuals completed the survey. Responses were analyzed, summarized, and reported by the SVC Office of Institutional Research. The responses for each item are presented on the following pages. Note that open-ended comments have not been edited.
Highlights & Results
8, The survey questions were organized into four sections. The first includes Questions 1 –
which ask for information about the respondents’ employer or business and their training needs. Section 2 includes Questions 9 – 11 regarding how SVC could be involved in meeting the
training needs of the employer. Section three includes Questions 12 – 16 about respondents’
experiences employing one or more SVC graduates. Section four includes the three items under Question 17, regarding the adequacy of students’ training in mathematics.
Several questions of interest are highlighted below.
Question #5 asked respondents to identify best times for their employees to take classes. Respondents most frequently chose “After 5 p.m.” as the best time for training (37.2%), followed
by “on-line” (19.1%).
In response to Question #6 regarding knowledge and skills that will be critical for employees in the future, respondents listed skills specific to their industry, as well as many that transcend industry and are more basic to an individual’s ability to be productive as part of a team. Computer skills (general, as well as specific software programs), people skills (including interpersonal, teamwork, and customer service skills), and essential skills, such as critical thinking, communication, and problem solving, were frequently cited.
Suggestions for improvement included increased emphasis on work ethics, more short-term and off-campus classes, and closer coordination with industry and advisory committees. Respondents also encouraged increased expansion of industry-specific skills courses.
Item 1: How many people are employed by your organization?
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Less than 5 11 11.7 11.7 11.7
6-10 7 7.4 7.4 19.1
11-20 15 16.0 16.0 35.1
21-50 15 16.0 16.0 51.1
51-99 12 12.8 12.8 63.8
100 or more 33 35.1 35.1 98.9
N/A 1 1.1 1.1 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
Item 2: In what industry do you work? 1. Marine Service
2. Early childhood Education
3. City of Arlington
4. child development early head start birth through 5 years of age,
5. Education
6. Healthcare
7. Light to heavy industrial manufacturing 8. HEALTHCARE
9. Tax & Accounting
10. Early Childhood Education / Social Services 11. mobile technology for global humanitarian organizations
12. veterinary medicine
13. computer support
14. Law enforcement
15. Public Safety
16. Pediatric Dentistry
17. Marine Electronics, Sales and service 18. Retired Teacher
19. public education
20. Home Childcare
21. Marine parts distribution
22. Civil Litigation
23. Dermatology
24. Manufacturing
25. Hospital
26. Public Health
27. Construction - Union Carpenter Apprenticeship Training center
28. Banking
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29. Fire Service
30. Environmental Conservation
31. retail grocery
32. Education
33. Aerospace manufacturing
34. Fire
35. Chemical dependency
36. Agriculture
37. Hospital
38. Fire Marshals Office / Local Government 39. Outpatient Chemical Dependency Treatment 40. Public Safety Training
41. local public health jurisdiction--county government
42. Truck manufacturing/testing
43. Health care
44. Parks and Recreation
45. Boat Building
46. Print and website design
47. Foodservice; Specifically Healthcare foodservice
48. Chemical Dependency
49. Child Care
50. Hospitalnursing
51. Kidney Dialysis
52. healthcare software
53. Forest Management
54. Natural Resources
55. Health care
56. Federal Law Enforcement
57. Retail
58. Education
59. HEALTH CARE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL SETTING 60. Legal
61. Legal
62. social services
63. WELDING GASES AND SUPPLIES DISTRIBUTER 64. Medical Assistant at North Cascade Family Physicians in Mount Vernon.
65. Agriculture
66. Local Government
67. Fitness
68. Catering
69. Family Practice Medical Clinic 70. Healthcare
71. Web Development
72. Healthcare
73. Healthcare
74. Fire Service
75. Heavy Vehicle Testing and manufacturing 76. Dentistry
77. Farm Equipment
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78. Training (Law Enforcement & Corrections) 79. Finance
80. Native plant restoration and mitigation 81. Restaurant/Small bistro
82. Banking
83. automobile service
84. Legal
85. Steel Fabrication
86. Healthcare
87. Fire
88. Digital Strategy for Web Development 89. municipal government, Fire Dept. 90. Government
91. Fitness Center
92. Law Enforcement
93. Parks and Recreation
94. dentistry
Item 3: Is in-house training provided for employees in your
organization?
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 85 90.4 90.4 90.4
No 9 9.6 9.6 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
Item 4: Is tuition assistance provided for employees in your
organization?
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 51 54.3 54.3 54.3
No 43 45.7 45.7 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
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Item 5A: What would be the best time for your employees to attend courses at Skagit
Valley College?
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid 7 a.m. -- 10 a.m. 3 3.2 3.2 3.2
10 a.m. -- 2 p.m. 2 2.1 2.1 5.3
2 p.m. -- 5 p.m. 4 4.3 4.3 9.6
After 5 p.m. 35 37.2 37.2 46.8
Saturdays 6 6.4 6.4 53.2
Prefer to take courses on-18 19.1 19.1 72.3
line
Prefer to host SVC 1 1.1 1.1 73.4
training programs at our
facilities
Other 15 16.0 16.0 89.4
N/A 10 10.6 10.6 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
Item 5B: Other best times for employees to attend courses at Skagit Valley College
1. Varied by employee
2. Some shifts can be worked around schooling
3. It depends on the individual who wishes to attended courses. Some of our employees work
24hour shifts that rotate around the work week. 4. Fridays and weekends also work
5. Most prefer on-line classes.
6. I think that would also benefit from Saturdays and on-line. 7. 24/ 7 staff, options are the best!
8. Specific days. Monday, Wednesday, Fridays or Tuesday, Thursday, Saturdays. On set schedules
those days.
9. we have flex time, so it depends on the employee. 10. 0800-1200
5
11. 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
12. Retail Stores are 24/7 and so all of these hours may work for different employees depending on
their shifts. Shifts are not the same every week unless they work in a dept. We do work around
employee's school schedules though as we feel education is very important. On line courses work
really well for employees and since many are not close to Skagit, they prefer this type of venue. 13. Late pm's are best for our staff as most work a Monday through Friday 0700-1600 schedule.
Others work 12 hour 7a to 7p.
14. we often work schedules around school schedules -Saturdays and early evening work well 15. we are a 24/7 operation, so day and evening classes are prefereable
16. Career FireFighters work a 24 hour shift.
17. Typically nights and weekends. We have hosted classes from City University however we have
never hosted one from Skagit. If that was possible for a technical course we could look into it. 18. Most of my agency is resident in South King County, so they are more likely to go to other
providers. When they do, weekend, evening and on-line courses work best.
19. We attend NAPA auto tech training, crane operator training, wreck-master tow operator training
20. most are 24 hour shift employees, online may be best option
Item 6: What knowledge and skills will be critical for employees in your organization to
have in the future?
1. American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) standards. They're always changing and must be
visited regularly.
2. Knowledge about early childhood, government standards, computer skills
3. Environmental conservation, GIS, business, water quality, municipal wastewater management,
Fire/EMT
4. child development, CDA classes
5. What are scientifically based research practices How to build relationships across cultures
6. Critical thinking, communication, customer service, technology utilization
7. Appropriate critical thinking, general math, blueprint reading, basic computer skills, team skills,
communication skills, basic shop, risk reduction thinking (this is different than safety)
8. CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS ETHICAL DECISION MAKING FINANCIAL RESOURCE
ALLOCATION
9. Bookkeeping, payroll, accounting, general computer & internet knowledge, Document
Management software, Microsoft office, Adobe, website management, general office skills such
as multi-line phone system, fax, scanner, filing
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10. Knowledge of Child Development and Family Systems. Effective Communication Skills.
Leadership skill development for managers. Spanish Language skills.
11. collaboration skills, technical writing, Information-Technology Communication (ICT)
background, project management, willingness/ability to travel (passport), presentation-
communication skills,
12. Animal care and well being, medications, radiology, anesthetic, emergency care, cleaning,
sterilization, customer service, computer knowledge, math,
13. technology
14. communication skills decision making problem solving human relations writing
15. Word Processing, Decision Making etc
16. Work with people
17. Electronics basics, wiring, electronic communications, FCC rules and RF principals.
18. Every kind of technology
19. time management, customer service
20. Child Development
21. Changing trends with Marine industry Aftermarket service and repair/restoration
22. Skills involving new technology for creation and delivery of paperless documents and skills
involving online investigation will become more and more important going forward.
23. detailed knowledge of various skin issues macules, papules, keratosis, pre-cancers, neoplasms,
nevus,lentigo, etc.
24. IT and Computer based communication skills. Hand tools, CNC Machining and Programming.
25. Time management
26. How to work hard and show up on time. Good people skills are critical and bilingual is an asset.
27. Use of computer programs and media presentation equipment
28. Soft skills, ability to sell and take care of customers and an understanding of finance
29. Leadership
30. Data Collection Techniques, Computer Skills
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31. interpersonal skills - both with external & internal groups & comfort with technology - more
processes are becoming electronic, so employees must be comfortable moving from pen/paper to
computer.
32. Adapting to new technologies
33. technical support; software, hardware, general networking and communication skills
34. Personnel Management, budgeting, finance.
35. Computer and writing skills
36. Strong computer skills, ability to communicate.
37. critical thinking skills & be able to prioritize
38. preservation of fire scenes, code enforcement
39. Writing professional letters, communicating clearly, motivational skills, computer skills,
professionalism including dress, actions, promptness and other skills, responsibility for actions,
group process, lecturing and teaching, public speaking, interviewing, diagnosis skills, counseling
skills
40. Training skills, office programs (database, word processing, spread sheets), instructional systems
design
41. ongoing computer/technology skills, community mobilization, reflective practice, social
marketing
42. computer, technical, writing, math
43. Computer proficiency; health care policy/reimbursement
44. Spanish Language Park Management
45. The skills required to obtain and maintain a good job in the Marine related business that we are
engaged in would be directed towards the larger boats. The larger boats are not just the large
yachts that are being built at our facility but it will also spill over into the larger commercial
vessels as well as the larger vessel repair business. If you look around the marine environment
you will see several hundred more job openings for the skilled people with the larger boat
component.
46. I have no employees
47. Critical Thinking skills, basic culinary skills, basic math skills, interpersonal communication
48. Boundaries, computer skills
49. Being in the child care field, I am looking for people who are able to make decisions, problem
solve, organize themselves, who can work well with others, i.e. communication with team
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members, professionalism. In addition to the skills that we know they need to work with
children... developmental milestones, what is developmentally appropriate for children at
different ages, classroom environments, curriculum/lesson planning, behavior guidance,
classroom management, resources in the community for referring children with special needs,
assessing children's learning.
50. ?
51. Basic assessment skills of patient, manual blood pressure checks.
52. Internet technologies, Marketing, Sales, Customer Support, Multi Media Media Production,
software development skills
53. Communication; group interaction;
54. GIS; GPS; Map reading; aerial photo interpretation; basic field skills-compass, clinometer,
rangefinder, altimeter
55. interpersonal skills, team work, medications, ADLs
56. Basic Law Enforcement Training
57. Retail Management Certificate Program suits our needs
58. Strong communication skills in person and in the written form.
59. Labor & Delivery, Multi-service/Maternal Infant/Post-partum, post-operative recovery, Urgent
Care, Primary Care Adult and Pediatric primary care, Immunizations and Medical Surgical
patient care.
60. Writing, communication skills in working with clients and coworkers, organization, knowledge of
legal field, professional appearance and language.
61. writing, customer service, word processing technology, research
62. change management
63. BASIC AND TECH. KNOWLEGE FOR THE WELDING IND.
64. Electronic Medical Records
65. Independent thinking math skills, tech and computing skills
66. Office SuiteFitness and sports
67. Cooking, cleaning, waiting, serving, deliveries
68. computer skills, customer service skills, clinical skills, and medical billing skills
69. Nursing, coding, health reform, billing
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70. Vast knowledge of HTML and JavaScript as well as PHP and MySQL. Must be very adept at
using Dreamweaver and Photoshop.
71. computer skills for electronic medical records
72. critical thinking skills basic office skills medical terminology
73. Advanced firefighter skills, company officer training, chief officer training
74. Very good communication skills, oral and written, and the technical knowledge for the field.
75. continuing dental education
76. Clean driving record, Math 101, Reading and understanding what’s read, Electrical & People
skills.
77. Varies - but being up-to-date in technology and in training methodologies is important.
78. Business/financial planning
79. Plant ID, Wetland Mitigation, Project Design, Measurement/Calculation, Small machinery
operation.
80. Basic Cooking skills, team work, utilize fresh ingredients, creativity, and line experience would
be quite helpful
81. Excellent communication skills, including written communication; -Updates/Changes in
accounting rules, especially Fair Value; -Internal audit best practices; -Legislation as it affects
business in the current environment, such as the Dodd-Frank Act -Legislative
82. Math, spreadsheet, automotive diagnostics, cpr and first aid forklift operation,
83. Our office has 5 paralegals and legal assistants.
84. All aspects of steel fabrication - cutting, drilling, torch work, welding, fitting, etc.
85. Critical thinking and problem solving are by far the most critical skills. Computer skills for older
workers. Listening skills and verbal communication.
86. Building construction, Confine space rescue, Haz-Mat Tech
87. A broad understanding of the industry and trends, with skills in computer science, programming
logic, math, and problem solving.
88. ems, haz mat, technical rescue
89. Office 2010, Windows 7
90. Fitness and nutrition
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91. Leadership, Management, Ethics and Writing
92. Law Enforcement
93. interpersonal skills
Item 7: Is your organization interested in skill-development courses
for limited-English speaking employees?
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 28 29.8 29.8 29.8
No 66 70.2 70.2 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
Item 8 A: Are any employees in your organization required to take Continuing Educations Unite (CEUs)?
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 49 52.1 52.1 52.1
No 45 47.9 47.9 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
Item 8 B: Descriptions of Continuing Education Units required for employees 1. classes to meet general hiring requirements
2. Wastewater, building officials, probably others don't know for sure 3. Certificated staff needs clock hours to keep their licenses current. 4. Most of the healthcare professional fields require CEUs for licensure or certification
5. PHYSICAL THERAPIST REQUIRE 40 HOURS IN TWO YRS REGISTERED NURSES WILL
NOW BE REQUIRED CE HOME HEALTH CNA HAS 12 HOURS REQUIRED ANNUALLY 6. All employees in my office are have or are working towards a credential in the bookkeeping,
accounting, or tax industry. Each credential requires its own CEU's.
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7. Some of our staff are required to take CEU's to maintain elementary or special education
certification.
8. Licensed Veterinary Technicians and the veterinarians are required to keep up on CE hours 9. Courses to update their teaching credentials
10. certificated staff
11. All of our attorney employees are required to attend continuing education according to
Washington State Bar Association requirements. Paralegal employees have no set requirement for
continuing education. However, there is no doubt that paralegal employees would benefit from
continuing education; a paralegal with more knowledge can better assist attorneys deliver legal
services to clients.
12. Nursing Staff
13. professional licensing requirements.
14. E.M.T. and Paramedic CE
15. Herbicide Handling, Wetland Delineation, Marbled Murrelet Detection, some other specialized
training
16. staff pharmacist only
17. EMT's and Paramedics
18. CEU's are required to maintain CDP certification
19. CPA, HRCI
20. my nurses who are IBCLC & also those that have their RNC certification, all need CEUs 21. continued International fire, building, and mechanical code, fire service related courses, juvenile
firesetter training
22. A CDP is required by DOH to take a minimum of 40 CEU's every 2 years, a nationally certified
counselor needs 60 CEU every 2 years.
23. RNs will need CEUs beginning next year
24. MSW's, RN's, Aides all have CEU requirements
25. Dietician is required to complete a certain number of CE's each year to kept current 26. Most have licenses through Dept. of health
27. STARS credits (10 per year, or 1 college credit)
28. no, but highly recommended
29. Once nationally certified, they must get 45 CEU's in 4 years and 30 of those CEU's must be
nephrology related.
30. Engineering, Law Enforcement, Acquisitions
31. Professionals yes including pharmacists, HR, etc. Retail employees - No, but we do strongly
encourage the Retail Management Certificate Program.
32. Ancillary Depts. (lab, red, pharmacy). Specialty areas require add'l trng. We now require our
L&D RN's to take an Intermediate Fetal Monitoring Course every two years to maintain this
critical skill.
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33. Our Attorneys and Law Enforcement are required.
34. for certification renewal
35. Physicians
36. Nursing, coding, compliance, xray, lab, rehab therapies, pharmacy 37. Nursing
38. PT, OT, Respiratory Therapy, Nurses
39. Not required, but encouraged.
40. per year requirements
41. One employee is also an attorney, another a CPA.
42. FINRA required CEU
43. Annual computer based learning is required of all employees to maintain accreditation.
44. Medical, confine space, Asbestos, HazMat, EVIP
45. all are as either EMT's or paramedics
46. Personal training, group fitness and nutrition.
47. All Law Enforcement are required to complete 24 hours of training each year in relevant training.
Item 8C: If “Yes,” would you like to see the college offer courses to meet those CEU requirements?
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 31 33.0 67.4 67.4
No 15 16.0 32.6 100.0
Total 46 48.9 100.0
Missing System 48 51.1
Total 94 100.0
Item 9: Are there any programs, courses or areas of concentration that the college could
add to better serve your needs?
1. ABYC courses.
2. Working with different cultures
3. It would be great to be able to get bachelors degrees closer to Arlington
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4. social services, children with disabilities
5. SOME OF THE REQUIRED COURSES FOR ADN TO BSN SUCH AS STATISTICS AND
MICRO OFFERED AT OFF HOURS SUCH AS EVENINGS AND SATURDAY
6. Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation offers a turnkey "Capstone" review course
for a two year accounting degree. Upon completion, students are prepared to sit for the ACAT's
Accredited Business Accountant test.
7. technical writing, ICT
8. Great start is the Vet assistant course,
9. no
10. More Administration of Justice Classes or Criminal Justice Classes
11. NMEA.org training, ABYC training, FCC testing preparation.
12. No
13. No
14. N/A
15. I believe the current curriculum is well-rounded; improvements should center on adapting
existing courses to current trends in technology.
16. Course on dermatology specifities
17. The Marine industry emphasis needs to transition into a composites emphasis.
18. I liked the short (2-3 hour) computer classes that were offered recently in various programs like
power point and publisher.
19. I.F.S.A.C. Fire Officer I, II, and III I.F.S.A.C. Fire Instructor I and II HazMat Tech 40 hour class
20. The Environmental Program at SVC is already adequate for Tech degrees. 4-year degrees at SVC
would be beneficial
21. n/a
22. align technical skills with industry requirements
23. can't think of any at the moment
24. The CD track of human services is up to date, meeting the needs to allow the students to become
solid entry level trainees which is the goal of the schooling portion of the training.
25. no
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26. not that I can think of at this time
27. Spanish
28. I would first have to better understand what exactly is being taught now.
29. A good class in XML and PHP.
30. No
31. computer skills
32. Our early childhood department could add classes that are geared to the professionalism of
teachers. I feel as if we use to have more of these classes but it has been lacking over the past
couple years. We also use to look at creative and innovated ways that the college could support
students and employers. This no longer seems to be a consideration.
33. unaware at this time
34. as above
35. No
36. CTE instructor and director courses much needed. Currently working with Bates Technical
College or Central Washington University.
37. EMT/EVOC, Fetal Monitoring, Disaster Preparedness,
38. None at this time; the paralegal program is excellent.
39. NOT AT THIS TIME
40. No
41. No
42. not at this time
43. physical therapy
44. More server-side programming / database classes.
45. continue to provide health care courses,
46. Advanced firefighter skills, company officer training, chief officer training
47. English and Math classes outside of the electronics program. The technical report writing class
required for technicians is not enough. In this business if you are writing reports then you are
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writing them as an engineer and the basic course required by the department is not enough. The
math area also needs to be upgraded to include some math beyond trig and some statistical math.
48. unknown
49. More Electrical trouble shooting courses.
50. Plant propagation, more plant ID/knowledge of habitats
51. Physical Cooking experience...on the line! and a sense of urgency/speed in performing tasks
52. Access workshops on Saturdays -Business law/ regulatory requirements
53. First aid and cpr classes. The state wants every company to have this, why not teach this?
54. We have hired paralegals trained at SVC in the past.
55. None that I know of.
56. Critical thinking and problem solving are by far the most critical skills. Computer skills for older
workers. Listening skills and verbal communication.
57. Recruit academy at a low cost.
58. Agile development for teams
59. None
60. Can't think of anything right off.
Item 10: What are the strengths of SVC programs?
1. Good locations.
2. quality programs
3. Friendly and to the point
4. bilingual classes
5. Tailored to student needs
6. Local, not sure of others
7. WORKING TOWARD UPWARD MOBILITY IN MEETING REQUIREMENTS OF
HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONS SUCH AS CNA TO LPN TO RN TO BSN, ETC.
8. SVC offers a 2 year certificate and/or degree.
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9. Small class sizes, accessible campus.
10. technical writing, ICT
11. diversity, overall offering of classes on line and at night and in different areas
12. the vocational classes are hands on and very practical to the real job market
13. Close to work and home for commuting
14. Easy access
15. It's local and produces students who are available and willing to work.
16. Current information; relevant courses to careers
17. Small classes, teachers that care
18. Easy access
19. Having students prepped for the workplace Staying abreast of current trends Supplying "real-
world" knowledge and experiences to students
20. The paralegal program at SVC is excellent because of strong ties to local employers and other
organizations in the legal field. Meeting the requirements for approval by the American Bar
Association (ABA) sets the SVC paralegal program apart from other local programs lacking ABA
approval.
21. knowledge of the instructors
22. The ability to adapt to changes in the work environment.
23. serves students of all needs
24. Very local, courses are taught by instructors, evening and online course availability
25. I am not very familiar with the SVC programs, yet.
26. Very relevant and up to date
27. ability to provide solid foundation skills to local pool of applicants.
28. They teach good quality courses they just need to be more in touch with business requirements
29. Easy access to public.
30. We get to know the students as they do their rotation on our floors. This is a great recruiting tool
for us.
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31. availability
32. Above.
33. local access, lower cost
34. In the nursing programs, I am very pleased to see the bridge to UW Bothell's RN-BSN program.
Having two children who have attended SVC, I appreciate the linked courses.
35. I think the ability for a nurse to get a BSN through your program is a major strength.
36. Tech Programs
37. Being local
38. Great instructor support
39. Small class sizes, flexible scheduling
40. Direct contact with like employers
41. I think that overall the college is remarkable at educating students enrolling.
42. great programs to "home grow" our staff, offer opportunity.
43. The educate the students very well as far as preparing them for the NCLEX.
44. local, high quality curriculum, good instructors.
45. Local, practical, in touch with industry
46. Great staff, On-line courses, Skagit seems to be progressive when it comes to providing education
for the needs of the community.
47. Great computer courses.
48. Willingness to work with students to give flexibility in the school schedule. Excellent instructors
and nursing faculty & director/leadership.
49. Specifically the paralegal program is excellent in preparing students for the profession.
Instructors and course content is on par.
50. unsure
51. EXCELLENT AND KNOWLEDGEABLE INTSRUCTORS
52. The labs - any hands on training was beneficial.
53. Local, available, top quality
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54. Flexibility of times offered.
55. it's staff
56. convenient
57. Great instructors with good reputations in the programs that pertain to our industry.
58. basic nursing
59. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of the community Local Course offered both day and
evening Well trained staff/instructors
60. Basic firefighter skill development
61. Your instructors and their knowledge and passion for what they teach.
62. unknown
63. Great Diesel program.
64. Availability at a low relative cost
65. The teachers and well-rounded coverage of curriculum
66. Very well rounded students overall, polite, team oriented, strong entry level skills...
67. Excellent teacher/student ratio -Teachers who care and are accountable to their students -Interest
in meeting needs/requirements of job seekers
68. My daughter likes the two courses taught concurrently. The opportunity to learn how to write
and build a operations manual is an example of how one could serve the students.
69. SVC trained paralegals receive a well rounded education covering most if not all of the areas
needed by local attorneys
70. Just beginning to know the program. Emphasis on training students to the needs of local
employers is the greatest strength I'm aware of at this time.
71. Varied program that are targeted to address healthcare industry needs, current and projected.
72. Offers a degree in fire science for firefighters promotions once they get into the service.
73. Solid training!
74. Local instructors with practical/relevant knowledge.
Item 11: How can Skagit Valley College improve to better serve your needs?
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1. Bring in ABYC courses. They're only offered on the east coast and once in a while in Portland.
There used to be an ABYC electrical course locally but it's hard to find out when they occur.
2. Offer opportunities to obtain bachelor degrees in Early Childhood and Family Support
3. Try and stay affordable
4. continue inviting us to attend the meeting.
5. More supportive Financial Aid office
6. I have no suggestions. I have been very impressed with the recent changes in the nursing
program.
7. Difficult question; come interview and observe us if you have time.
8. FLEXIBILTY IN TIMES OF CLASSES FOR THE WORKING STUDENT
9. Teach current software applications. Raise the bar by expecting a lot from students.
10. For our program clients (parents of young children): enhanced ABE and ESL options in outlying
communities (Burlington, Sedro Woolley,etc.)
11. personal time management, solution-approached skills, team-building/collaboration skills
12. Offer more classes such as Ce in our area, also maybe just night classes brush up courses etc
13. continue what you are doing.
14. nothing comes to mind right now
15. More variety of classes
16. More flexibility in the new Dental Program.
17. Develop more electronics specific training.
18. Continue to offer relevant courses
19. Does great
20. More affordable
21. This year has been FANTASTIC. Continue this momentum in Marine Tech programs
22. I think SVC does an excellent job giving students basic knowledge necessary to succeed in the
workplace, given the time constraints on 2 year degrees. However, many paralegal students have
an interest in continuing their education with a focus on attending law school and becoming
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attorneys. I would like to see the ATA degree in paralegal studies become transferrable to more
4-year colleges; I believe that at present the ATA degree only transfers to Evergreen State
College and City University of Seattle.
23. Assist with Certified Medical Assistant CEU's. Offer them in conjunction with AAMA.
Coordinate CEU's to make them more accessible to medical assistants. Offer courses specific to
dermatology
24. I cannot think of anything specific. I provide inputs via other means.
25. Students graduate with limited time management skills. They have a difficult time when they
start a new position
26. expand evening offerings
27. I have nothing to add at this time.
28. Keep serving those who have a desire to learn
29. More on-line capabilities.
30. Offer a 4 year degree program
31. n/a
32. Nothing comes to mind
33. see above
34. I'm not sure
35. Instructors working with outside agencies. Instructors have high standards of conduct and
decorum for students who
36. More connection with local businesses.
37. flex the hours for students to do their clinicals. We can't accommodate all the students on the
same shift
38. provide low cost classes
39. Not sure except to provide CEU's for current professionals, DBHR is no longer funding training
and there is a need in the CD community for this service. I believe that the employee or employer
would be willing to pay for quality trainings.
40. n/a
41. Not sure for our organization, as most staff are bachelors prepared.
21
42. Making sure that the students are responsible (no "special" help) and understand the curriculum
completely before moving onto the next course. Reading and writing (along with keyboarding)
are super critical as communication is our number one product. Math would be the next most
important.
43. Have more courses open to not only employees but community members on weekends and on-
line.
44. Community outreach programs geared towards group learning opportunities
45. Ask more questions about what is needed not assume that they know what is needed. They need
to ask the people that are actually running the businesses not just people that are available to talk
about something that have little or no experience doing
46. See No. 9
47. I have no answer for this question
48. offer computer skills
49. ECE classes in English AND in Spanish ...not translated. Many of my employees have had a
hard time when classes are translated. Because of the nature of discussions that can occur, often
they are not as rich and valuable when there is a translator.
50. ?
51. Offer classes on set days as described in question 5.
52. i know it is hard almost next to impossible, but the technology needs to be current. Training
students with outdated software is better than nothing, but it still brings the onus onto the
company to train students to use the newer versions of the software.
53. Would have to be authorized to conduct Federal programs training.
54. Stress field techniques in forestry
55. leadership skills.
56. Meets Agency Needs as is
57. For us I wish there was a way to know how many of our employees attend the Retail
Management Certificate Program at Skagit. We also would like to encourage more of our
employees to attend so anything you can do to advertise the program and make it convenient for
those working in a 24/7 workplace with changing schedules from week to week would be helpful.
58. Again, provide CEU and CTU instructor and director internships and it would be a great benefit
to our instructors.
59. Keep up the good work. We're very happy with our SVC LPN/RN students here at NHOH.
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60. Nothing at this time.
61. coordinate internships and work study with local attorneys; train a bilingual (Spanish) paralegal
62. more modular learning versus certificates or degreed programs
63. N/A
64. I cannot think of anything at this time.
65. Skagit does a good job serving the community
66. SVC is doing a good job. Would like to see more 1-2 day 1/2 day classes on specific subjects.
67. currently SVC offers Fitness certification prep that is of benefit to our organization in our local
community.
68. Need to work faster and finish their tasks
69. continue to offer the courses necessary for medical office employment
70. offer local CEUs
71. Same as #9. Offer higher level programming and database courses that are specific to the web to
better prepare students for above entry-level "designer" positions.
72. offer ce credits for nursing
73. Already doing an excellent job by having a variety of advisory boards where we feel comfortable
sharing our needs
74. Advanced firefighter skills, company officer training, chief officer training
75. I feel the direction of On Line classes is probably the best fit for all. Night classes tend to stretch
the staff are a very challenging environment for students to learn in since most have worked all
day.
76. depends on curriculum
77. Make sure your students know how to read before you graduate them and we get them here on the
job.
78. n/a
79. Not sure at this time
80. see above
81. We think you do an awesome job, just the above mentioned areas would be helpful
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82. More emphasis on rudimentary skills in office management -Identification of skills employers
want or find lacking
83. Send me a business, marketing major who wants to cut their teeth in the world of selling and
marketing. I am in need of doers.
84. Employees need as much "real time" training or internships as possible.
85. Continue to communicate with local employers to develop specific course needs.
86. Competitive entry into RN program was a good start. Instilling concepts of personal
accountability and responsibility for work in all programs; encouraging self-starting work habits
and enforcing consequences for failure. Expanding on-line offerings;
87. Recruit academy at a low cost.
88. Keeping up with web development methods for teams, (i.e. Agile development)
89. not sure at this time
90. Not sure at this time. Downturn in the economy makes it a challenge to procure outside services.
91. Increase knowledge base on equipment use as well as free weights
92. Continue working with local agencies to brainstorm ways to improve training.
93. na
94. ?
Item 12: Do you employ Skagit Valley College graduates?
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 63 67.0 67.0 67.0
No 31 33.0 33.0 100.0
Total 94 100.0 100.0
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Item 13: Approximately how many SVC graduates are currently in your organization?
Number of Employees Count 1 11 2 9 3 3 in our IS Dept we have 3 1 4 4 5 3 8 1 approximately 8 1 9 1 15-20 1 20 2 20 just in my department 1 25 2 30 1 50 1
25
> 50 1
50-100 1
100 2
100's 1
many! 1
Many over many years 1
UNKNOWN BUT ROUGHLY 35 - 40% 1
unknown, but many RN's, CNA's, MA, computer technicians etc. 1
Unsure. We have not way to track unless they tell us. I know of some students attending now and can evaluate their performance. 1
not sure, can confirm three, but sure there is many more. 1
I am one; not sure how many others are 1
Probably but not sure who 1
Unknown 1
Unknown - 100? 1
don't know 1
None 1
None at the moment 1
Other 3
Total 63
ITEM 14: Based on your experience with SVC graduates, please rate the program with
regard to the following general skills:
Item 14A: Interpersonal skills (oral communication, working
relationships with others)
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Superior 12 12.8 19.0 19.0
Good 42 44.7 66.7 85.7
Adequate 8 8.5 12.7 98.4
N/A 1 1.1 1.6 100.0
Total 63 67.0 100.0
Missing System 31 33.0
Total 94 100.0
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Item 14B: Written communication
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Superior 8 8.5 12.9 12.9
Good 41 43.6 66.1 79.0
Adequate 9 9.6 14.5 93.5
Poor 1 1.1 1.6 95.2
N/A 3 3.2 4.8 100.0
Total 62 66.0 100.0
Missing System 32 34.0
Total 94 100.0
Item 14C: Problem solving/critical thinking
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Superior 10 10.6 16.1 16.1
Good 39 41.5 62.9 79.0
Adequate 8 8.5 12.9 91.9
Poor 4 4.3 6.5 98.4
N/A 1 1.1 1.6 100.0
Total 62 66.0 100.0
Missing System 32 34.0
Total 94 100.0
27
Item14D: Job-related technical skills
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent Valid Superior 16 17.0 25.0 25.0
Good 37 39.4 57.8 82.8
Adequate 8 8.5 12.5 95.3
Poor 1 1.1 1.6 96.9
N/A 2 2.1 3.1 100.0
Total 64 68.1 100.0
Missing System 30 31.9
Total 94 100.0
Item 14E: Understanding of job/employer expectations
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent Valid Superior 12 12.8 18.8 18.8
Good 38 40.4 59.4 78.1
Adequate 9 9.6 14.1 92.2
Poor 4 4.3 6.3 98.4
N/A 1 1.1 1.6 100.0
Total 64 68.1 100.0
Missing System 30 31.9
Total 94 100.0
Item14F: Professional attitude
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent Valid Superior 17 18.1 27.0 27.0
Good 37 39.4 58.7 85.7
Adequate 7 7.4 11.1 96.8
Poor 1 1.1 1.6 98.4
N/A 1 1.1 1.6 100.0
Total 63 67.0 100.0
Missing System 31 33.0
Total 94 100.0
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Item 15A: Do SVC graduates have appropriate technical skills when
hired?
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent
Valid Yes 49 52.1 76.6 76.6
No 15 16.0 23.4 100.0
Total 64 68.1 100.0
Missing System 30 31.9
Total 94 100.0
Item 15B: if “No,” what technical skills need more emphasis?
1. In the past, welding graduates have not worked out.
2. COMFORTABLE WITH COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY
3. Needed more on the job training in animal care etc.
4. See above, we need electronics specific training.
5. Too many things they haven't done or seen. Little effort on their part to seek out these things
when they are still students. They will look for the easiest patients to take.
6. see above
7. There could be more emphasis on Technical writing skills.
8. Nursing skills - assessment, Plans of Care, documentation
9. I would have answered this question as a resounding yes a few years ago. However the
students/staff I have are not getting the same rigor and skill building in their classes that they
were getting before. My current staff have even sought classes elsewhere, at the Oak Harbor
campus and also at Whatcom Community College, as well as on-line. I am seeing the staff
feeling frustrated with the classes that they are taking because they are not learning as much as
they want. It may just be the style used in teaching, or it may be the content. We do in-house
training with our staff so if skills are lacking we often are able to guide and support them.
10. have the entry level skills in nursing.
11. see answer to Q 11 above.
29
12. general case management; can't complete this answer in general terms for my office, which only
employs one person at a time
13. Most of the skills are adequate however as stated in an earlier question most "graduates" of the
electronics program are not simply technicians, they are acting as engineers or engineering aids
and therefore need a much higher degree of math and English skills.
14. The line cooking is really a focus we need here. The technical skills in terms of prepping are
fine...
15. Real-life situations: how to avoid reinventing the wheel
16. The skills they need have to be developed on the job; cannot be taught in class. You do a
GREAT job of getting the basics!
17. I think there needs to be some emphasis on the use different kinds of equipment (ie hammer
strength, cable work, etc)
Item 16: What do you like about SVC graduates? What compels you to recruit from SVC?
1. They have a very similar philosophy
2. They understand to social importance of their role in the community.
3. bilingual students
4. Community commitment
5. HOME GROWN!!
6. I attended SVC. I believe in hiring and buying locally. I can ask for referral, avoiding
advertisement costs.
7. Our program serves members of our community. SVC graduates are familiar with the local
community. They also can advocate for our program parents to access the college.
8. thoroughness of transferable technical skills
9. local, community involvement. Diversity
10. local students
11. They have the training and experience that we desire in an applicant
12. See above, local and available are the big reasons I go to SVC looking for employees.
13. Loyalty to community
30
14. The nature of paralegal work is such that the paralegal is constantly learning procedures and ideas.
An SVC graduate is years ahead of a person without training hired to do the same job.
15. They are local and they want to establish themselves for a long term employment.
16. Close to hospital but have to do at least a 3 month preceptorship to get them on board.
17. Level of knowledge and experience.
18. SVC & Dr Svendson instills creativity and problem solving skills as well as up to date and
relevant education
19. their interest in their community...great place to pull local talent into our organization.
20. former graduate
21. Students do practicum's here and that gives us a good opportunity to see their attitudes, conduct,
etc.
22. They are dedicated to the community & our organization. We know what we are getting because
they have done their clinicals with us.
23. The quality of education and people that are in the program. I am very selective and try to single
out the best of the students to work with.
24. We are very familiar with the Diesel Program (a 1985 graduate myself) and we have worked very
closely with the different instructors for many years.
25. Do not as this time due to constraints of experience required.
26. Direct knowledge of the field, desire to work in the field
27. We use to partner with the college, by having practicum and intern students who learned about
our program and used our staff as mentors/CDA advisors. We often hired many of these students
after they graduated or while they were still attending school. These staff were wonderful!!!
They were able to put into practice what they were learning. However we do not have the
opportunity to have interns or practicum students any longer.
28. they are local, they have been well educated. I find that if they are successful at finishing a
program at SVC, that person is usually a self-starter and a go-getter.
29. Motivated
30. they work here then go onto SVC for medical advancement
31. Good foundation for Seasonal Ranger Law Enforcement
32. When we have attended Job Fairs at SVC in the past, students don't seem interested in applying
for jobs in retail.
31
33. Programs are using cutting edge technology and renewed focus on soft-skills.
34. Work ethic, eagerness to learn, desire to increase educational opportunity and career path. A
compassionate, caring and engaged method of providing patient care. They are glad to be in
nursing and it shows.
35. Broad understanding of the legal field with stung writing skills. I feel they also are prepared for
work in the business office with the appropriate attitude and knowledge base.
36. only game in town
37. Local students interested in the area.
38. Local talent
39. In my experience, SVC has always been very pro-active about listening and applying input from
industry professionals into their programs to ensure they are as current as possible with their
curriculum.
40. They are more able to hit the ground running and need few hours of orientation in health care jobs
41. Local and known individuals.
42. SVC graduates have the skills to walk into the work place and start working. We will normally
not hire a person unless they have a degree, not a certificate. Certificate students do not have the
communication and interpersonal skill needed to work in this environment.
43. Positive attitude, people skills, work ethics.
44. They have a good initial grasp of what we do, so don't require much training in the field. SVC
puts out qualified workers.
45. The positive attitude and teamwork is very important in our tiny kitchen...this form could use a
few more "maybe" or comment boxes! for us indecisive folks....
46. I don't recruit from SVC, but I am a SVC graduate. I have been working steadily since my
graduation (at 48 years old) in 1998 and am comfortable that my training has helped me to
continue to serve executive administration in varied disciplines.
47. I have not, but would like to know who to meet with for the above item. For #17 I am not
qualified to answer.
48. We can presume a certain baseline educational level from SVC graduates.
49. SVC does a sound job of teaching the basics; providing a good, solid foundation, and giving its
students a sampling of just about everything in the CIS world. SVC tends to "weed out" and
cultivate the best of the crop!
50. Great attitude and motivation with excellent knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how it
relates to fitness
32
Item 17: Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following statements:
Item 17A: The current level of mathematics taught at Skagit Valley College is
appropriate for the workplace.
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent Valid Strongly Agree 10 10.6 15.9 15.9
Agree 47 50.0 74.6 90.5
Disagree 6 6.4 9.5 100.0
Total 63 67.0 100.0
Missing System 31 33.0
Total 94 100.0
Item17B: SVC students have the practical math tools to solve everyday problems.
Cumulative Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent Valid Strongly Agree 8 8.5 13.1 13.1
Agree 47 50.0 77.0 90.2
Disagree 6 6.4 9.8 100.0
Total 61 64.9 100.0
Missing System 33 35.1
Total 94 100.0
Item 17C: Skagit students entering the world of work understand math concepts
well enough so that they are free to concentrate on more advanced problems.
Cumulative
Frequency Percent Valid Percent Percent Valid Strongly Agree 9 9.6 14.8 14.8
Agree 43 45.7 70.5 85.2
Disagree 8 8.5 13.1 98.4
Strongly Disagree 1 1.1 1.6 100.0
Total 61 64.9 100.0
33
Missing System 33 35.1
Total 94 100.0
Appendix A: Advisory Committee Survey
Advisory Committee Survey
2010-11
34
Please complete the following survey to help us better serve you. 1. How many people are employed by your organization?
Less than 5 51-99
6-10 100 or more
11-20 N/A
21-50
2. In what industry do you work?
3. Is in-house training provided for employees in your organization?
Yes No
4. Is tuition assistance provided for employees in your organization?
Yes No
5. What would be the best time for your employees to attend courses at Skagit
Valley College?
7 a.m. -- 10 a.m. Prefer to take courses on-line
10 a.m. -- 2 p.m. Prefer to host SVC training programs at our facilities
2 p.m. -- 5 p.m. Other
After 5 p.m. N/A
Saturdays
If "Other," please specify.
6. What knowledge and skills will be critical for employees in your organization to
have in the future?
7. Is your organization interested in skill-development courses for limited-English
speaking employees?
Yes No
35
8. Are any employees in your organization required to take Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Yes No
If "Yes," please describe.
If "Yes," would you like to see the college offer courses to meet those CEU
requirements?
Yes No
9. Are there any programs, courses or areas of concentration that the college could add to better serve your needs?
10. What are the strengths of SVC programs?
11. How can Skagit Valley College improve to better serve your needs?
12. Do you employ Skagit Valley College graduates?
Yes (Please complete questions 13 -- 18)
No (Please go to the end of the page to submit your answers.) 13. Approximately how many SVC graduates are currently employed in your organization?
14. Based on your experience with SVC graduates, please rate the program with regard to the following general skills:
Superior Good Adequate Poor N/A
Interpersonal Skills (oral communication, working relationships
36
with others)
Written communication
Problem solving/critical thinking
Job-related technical skills
Understanding of job/employer expectations
Professional attitude 15. Do SVC graduates have appropriate technical skills when hired?
Yes No
If "No," what technical skills need more emphasis?
16. What do you like about SVC graduates? What compels you to recruit from SVC?
17. Please indicate the degree to which you agree or disagree with the following
statements:
Strongly Strongly Agree Disagree Agree Disagree
The current level of mathematics
taught at Skagit Valley College is appropriate for the workplace.
SVC students have the practical math tools to solve everyday problems.
Skagit students entering the world of
work understand math concepts well
enough so that they are free to concentrate on more advanced
problems.
Thank you for completing this survey. Please click on the "Submit" button to
record your responses. You will then be transferred to the SVC Home page.
Reset
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