Workforce Program Development Manual

Workforce Publications
CE

Workforce Publications
CE

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Workforce Program Development
Process Handbook

I. Executive Summary
II. Workforce Program Development Process

1. Program Recommendations (New, Modification, Deactivation and Expansions)
2. Research Labor Market Analysis
3. Research Validation: Employer Focus Group
4. Competency Identification
5A. Business Plan - Curriculum
5B. Business Plan - Financial Commitment
6. Disseminate Approved Program Details
7. Program Preparation & Student Recruitment
8. Program Begins
9. Program Evaluation

III. Glossary

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 3

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Overview

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

1. Degree and Certificate Development at Lone Star College described by the Senior Associate
Vice Chancellor, Office of External & Employer Relations and Executive Director, Workforce
Development

2. Definitions of Lone Star College Workforce, Academic and Continuing Education awards
3. Workforce Council Membership Roster
4. Lone Star College Locations
5. Workforce Council Responsibilities
6. Area of Study Curriculum Team Responsibilities
7. Workforce Council Meeting Agenda Example

4 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Office of External and Employer Relations

A Message from the
Office of External & Employer Relations

The Office of External & Employer Relations (OEER) was created over fifteen years ago to provide
leadership and coordination of system-wide workforce program development and modification,
workforce program marketing, and continuing education programs. Two different Chancellors
have added various responsibilities to the department to centralize workforce and economic
functions at the system. The functional departments within the division include:

• Workforce Development
• Economic Development
• Workforce Marketing and Outreach
• Continuing Education
• Adult Education – English as a Second Language and GED
• Corporate College – Corporate Customized Training and Technical Certifications
• Student Job Placement
• Veteran Services
• Community Leadership Development

The primary mission of the division is to help the community obtain the right education and
training to begin a great career. In so doing, this impacts the economic vitality and
continued success of 21st century global corporations and small businesses in the greater
Houston area by developing a highly skilled talent pool.

This manual provides detailed processes, procedures and documents approved by the Lone Star
College Chancellor, leadership, and Workforce Council to support workforce Associate of
Applied Science Degrees (AAS), certificates, and non-credit fast-track certifications. Guidelines
within it are led by OEER and Workforce Council, whose membership includes representatives
from Vice Presidents of Instruction (VPI) Council, Vice Presidents of Student Success (VPSS)
Council, Vice Presidents of Administration (VPAD) Council, Deans Council, Continuing Education,
AAS and Continuing Education faculty, grants administration, marketing, analytics and
institutional reporting, student services, and job placement. The Department of Workforce
Development serves as the System liaison to instructional leadership charged with workforce
development responsibilities.

The primary goals of the Workforce Program Development Process include:

1. The Workforce Program Development, Modification, Expansion and Deactivation
Process is implemented expediently with full transparency.

2. Ensure technical competencies within Lone Star College degrees and certifications
meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s employers.

3. Ensure behavioral skills are imbedded in degrees and certificates.
4. Provide regularly conducted environmental scanning of current workforce needs.

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 5

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Office of External and Employer Relations

5. Validate just in time labor market demand matched with labor market supply.
6. Follow state and national industry certifications and integrate into credit and non-credit

programs where appropriate.
7. Validate labor market data with local employer input.
8. Implement guidelines to build and maintain business and program advisory committees.
9. Represent the college among organizations and businesses on a local, state, and national

level.
10. Assist with specialized workforce program related positions at the campuses.
11. Evaluate program effectiveness.
12. Participate in workforce program facility master planning.

The success of this Council and process depends on the involvement of members of LSC
faculty and staff, community members, and employers. The program development processes
ensure involvement by internal and external stakeholders while allowing adaptability
necessary for meaningful and timely workforce development. Please contact me or one of
the members of my staff with corrections, suggestions, or other models. We share one
vision—that citizens of our community will find the training and education to be eligible for
jobs that provide a livable wage and that businesses in our community have the workforce
pool available to remain viable and competitive.

Thank you for your support of workforce and economic development.

Dr. Dwight Smith
Vice Chancellor
Academic and Workforce Success

Linda L. Head
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor
Office of External & Employer Relations

6 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Office of External and Employer Relations

TYPES OF DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE (BAS)
BACHELOR OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY (BAT)
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN)
Prepares you for promotion and advancement into leadership positions within your field. Prepares you for
pursuit of a master’s degree.

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS (AA)
Prepares you to transfer to a Texas public university or college as a junior with the intention of declaring a major
in the liberal or fine arts (English, History, others).

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN TEACHING (AAT)
Prepares you to transfer to a Texas public university as a junior to work towards a degree that leads to initial
Texas teacher certification.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (AS)
Prepares you to transfer to a Texas public university or college as a junior with the intention of majoring in the
sciences (Math, Engineering, Biology Social/Behavioral Science, and others).

• Includes general education core courses common to Texas four-year universities, also called “the basics” or
“core requirements.”

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE (AAS)
A degree program for the student seeking technical career skills for work in a specific career.

• Includes at least 15 credit hours of general education courses.
• General Education courses will transfer. Degree may also transfer if there is an articulation agreement with

one or more universities.

OCCUPATIONAL AND LIFE SKILLS ASSOCIATE (OLSA)
The Occupational and Life Skills Associate (OLSA) is a four-year comprehensive post-secondary education op-
portunity for students who have disabilities that affect executive functioning. The OLSA is designed to directly
teach executive functioning strategies and social expectations to help students transition into successful careers.

• Also includes courses to complete a Level 1 Certificate.

ADVANCED TECHNICAL CERTIFICATE (ATC)
Pursued after the completion of a related bachelor’s or associate degree; preparation for a
specialized career field.

FAST TRACK CERTIFICATE (CERT)
Prepares a student for immediate job entry in a short period of time.

INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION (CERT)
Select Industry Certifications prepare a student for state, national, or global industry recognized credentials.

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 7

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Office of External and Employer Relations

Workforce Council Membership List 2021

Chair: Linda Head, Senior AVC, OEER
Co‐Chair: Kathy Cecil Sanchez, VPI Council
Co‐Chair: Patricia Sendelbach, VPAD Council
Co‐Chair: Kathy Cecil Sanchez, VPSS Council
Co‐Chair: Christina Todd, Chief of Staff, Workforce Education & Corporate Partnerships
Co‐Chair: Deb Roberts, Director, Workforce Education & Corporate Partnerships

System Office Support  1. Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design
Adult Education ‐ ESL and GED prep CF Visual Communcation
LSC Online NH Visual Communcation
AOS Instructional Leadership  2. Business & Professional Services
Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design KW Business & Professional Services
Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design CF Business & Professional Services
Business & Professional Services NH Business & Professional Services
Business & Professional Services UP Business & Professional Services

Computer & Digital Technology 3. Information Technology & Computer Science
CF IT & Computer Science
Computer & Digital Technology UP IT & Computer Science
Energy, Manufacturing & Construction KW IT & Computer Science
Energy, Manufacturing & Construction HN IT & Computer Science
Engineering, Mathematics & Sciences 4. Energy, Manufacturing & Skilled Trades
Engineering, Mathematics & Sciences CF Energy, Manufacturing & Construction
Health Sciences KW Energy, Manufacturing & Construction
Health Sciences NH Energy, Manufacturing & Construction
Public Safety & Human/Consumer Services UP Energy, Manufacturing & Construction
Public Safety & Human/Consumer Services CE Non‐Credit Energy & Manufacturing 
Social/Behavioral Sciences & Education 5. Public Safety & Human/Consumer Services
Social/Behavioral Sciences & Education M Fire Science
Transportation & Logistics CF Fire Science
Transportation & Logistics CE Law Enforcement
Resources (ad hoc ‐ will be invited as needed) 6. Health Sciences
Curriculum Management M Health Sciences
Grants & Resource Development NH EMS
Instructional Design, Corporate College M Nursing
Job Development M Surgical Technology
Outreach & Recruitment
General Education Faculty
Veteran Advising Council NH 1st Year Experience
T Developmental Education
Workforce Advising Council  UP Math/Sciences
Workforce Finance
Workforce Marketing  Other Gen Ed
Workforce Labor Market Analyst
AIR
Business Analyst, Workforce

Dual Credit

Foundation
Financial Aid
Prior Learning Assessment

Honors College
North Houston Economic Dev. Ctr.
Strategic Business Development

8 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Office of External and Employer Relations

Lone Star College Map

New Waverly

Montgomery Willis

FM 1484
LSC-Conroe Center

Conroe

FM 3083 Splendora

LSC-Magnolia Magnolia LSC-Montgomery
Center (TBD) and LSC-University Center
RESEARCH FOREST DR.
at The Woodlands
The Woodlands
KUYKENDAHL New Caney
GOSLING RD. LSC-System Office,
LSC-Creekside The Woodlands
Center

LSC-Tomball Tomball LSC-Transportation & Kingwood
Global Logistics
Technology Center

LSC-Tomball Health SPRING STUEBNER RD. Spring LSC-Kingwood
Science Building
LSC-Health Professions Building KINGWOOD DRIVE

LSC-University Park Klein CHI LSC-North Harris
and LSC-University Center School of Cosmetology
LOUETTA
at University Park WW THORNE
W LAKE HOUSTON PKWYHumble
LSC-System Office, ALDINE WESTFIELD
LSC-Energy & Manufacturing Institute University Park LSC-Construction &
Skilled Trades
CyFair LSC-Online LSC-North Harris WILL CLAYTON PARKWAY
Technology Center

PERRY
BARKER CYPRESS LSC-Houston North LSC-Atascocita Center
LSC-CyFair Fallbrook Aldine LSC-East Aldine LAKESHORE
LANDING
WEST ROAD LSC-Houston North Greenspoint Center
LSC-Process
SPENCER / HWY 529 LSC-Houston North Fairbanks Technology Center

W. LITTLE YORK SOUTH VICTORY W. LITTLE YORK

LSC-Cypress Center LSC-Houston North
Victory
CLAY ROAD
Katy
FRY ROAD LSC-Westway Park
Technology Center

DOWNTOWN HOUSTON

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 9

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Office of External and Employer Relations

Workforce Council Responsibilities
Membership and Voting

Workforce Council Membership

Workforce Council membership consists of system and campus administration, faculty, and staff
responsible for workforce programming and related support.

The Council is chaired by Senior Associate Vice Chancellor of the Office of External and Employer
Relations (OEER) with the following co-chair administrators:

• Vice President of Administration (VPAD)
• Vice President of Instruction (VPI)
• Vice President of Student Success (VPSS)

Co-chairs serve a two-year term and are selected by the representative vice president councils.

Campus instructional membership is recommended by the campus leadership and reviewed each
year.

Resource members are reviewed annually or as roles change.

Workforce Council Voting Responsibilities

Workforce Council instructional members (deans and faculty) have a voting responsibility and
are encouraged to utilize available resources to make informed voting decisions.

Resource members are not voting members.

Workforce Development team members are not voting members.

The Senior Associate Vice Chancellor (SAVC) chair is not a voting member. The SAVC will cast a
tie-breaking vote when necessary.

10 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

LSC Workforce Program Development AOS Curriculum Teams ‐ Role, updated 21‐22

Month Topic Task Guest
August
August Student & Program Learning Outcomes Ensure behavioral student outcomes are embedded in every AAS program.

September Employer & Community Partnerships Review labor market data to identify potential employer partners for:
September
October 1. advisory committees
November
2. clinicals/internships
November
3.ob placement, job board postings, job fairs
December
January 4. focus groups/PCALs
January
February Dual Credit Create and Maintain inventory of Dual Credit programs offered within AOS in
February
conjunction with Workforce program dual credit coordinator.
February
February Dual Credit Review cross-walk to TEKS for the AOS knowing the final decisions rest with the

POS curriculum team.

Program Evaluation - annual report cards Review Annual Report Card data prior to sharing with WF Council in preparation

for Curriculum Team Day

Program Evaluation/Labor Market Needs - Review initial Program Development recommendations: Utilizing LMI, Economic Workforce Progr am Development Process

and Program Development and Annual Report Card Data, review and make recommendations for Program Office of External and Employer Relations

recommendations Development (New, Modification, Expansion).

Program Evaluation/Labor Market Needs - Review and make recommendations for deactivation of Programs (Closure).

and Program Development

recommendations

None

Equipment, Facility & Software Needs Recommend necessary resources, including training equipment, instructional

LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 11 software, facility needs, for current programs in an area.

Equipment, Facility & Software Needs Recommend strategic potential bond funded or lease larger facility needs.

Core Curriculum Requirements Update on Core Committee decisions

Credentialing, licensing agencies, and/or Review marketing re: program accreditation, licensing and/or industry certification

industry credentials for programs in an obtained or for which a student can test, to insure accuracy.

AoS

Marketing Ensure industry certificates and accreditation are included in marketing

Personnel Review and make recommendations to update job descriptions for:

1. workforce advisors

2. workforce skilled instructors

3. CE instructors

4. faculty

5. lab coordinators annually.

1 of 2

12 Office of External & Employer Relations AOS Curriculum Teams ‐ Role, updated 21‐22 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Month Topic Task Office of External and Employer RelationsGuest
February Employer & Community Partnerships: Help develop relationshipos with our community non-profit partners (CBOs)
Student Recruitment & Case
March Management Review Workforce Advisor assignments, Perkins funded or not.
March Advising/Recruiting Students Review key web marketing items annually:
Advising/Recruiting Students 1. Program of Study brochure
March 2. AOS and Program Web Pages (from a design perspective, not content that is
April Advising/Recruiting Students POS teams)
April Student & Program Learning Outcomes 3. AOS brochures
April Student & Program Learning Outcomes 3. Career focus magazine and/or One-page slicks
April 4. Gather student success stories in each area of study for SO Marcom
September 5. Commercials for each AOS - progress
April Gather - On and Off campus recruiting event schedule – monthly
Review and ensure consistency of AOS course alignments across all programs in
May an AoS (across level 1 certificates in particular).
June Review Veteran PLA website for accuracy and future work.
June
LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs July-21 Financial Aid a. Research and document financial aid available to students in an AOS other than
FAFSA (ex: specific scholarships)
Financial Aid b. Research and document WIOA available to students in an AOS
Financial Aid c. Identify TWC/Workforce Solutions partners
Financial Aid c. Spread awareness system-wide of and document any other opportunities to
assist students in paying for college in an Area of Study (including marketing
None potential)
Community Representation
Coordinate subject matter experts and representation for public relations, recruiting
Community Representation or marketing requests
Make recommendations for local, state and national boards to represent

NONE

2 of 2

LSC Workforce Program Development Workforce Council Monthly Business Meeting

Meeting Logistics Linda Head, Darrin Rankin, Pat Sendelbach and Scott Stallman
Deb Roberts
Co-Chairs: Gloria Williams & Krystal Hobson
Facilitator: November 14, 2018; 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Note taker: LSC-System Office, Training & Development Center, Room 113/115
Date & Time: See SharePoint site, Division of External & Employer Relations, Workforce Council
Location:
Members:

Item Agenda Items Supporting Time Presenter Action
# Documents Items
Roll Call
1. Vote Results 1:30 - 1:35 Deb Roberts Workforce Progr am Development Process
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor Update 1:35 - 1:40 Deb Roberts
2. 1:40 - 2:10 Linda Head Office of External and Employer Relations
a. Decrease in Credit Workforce
3. b. Subcommittee Updates
c. Grants & Implementation
LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 13 e. Christina
i. Perkins Leadership Grant: Embedding Behavioral Skills Hagerty/Trina Lowery
ii. NSF Convergence Technology Center Grant Update
d. External Agencies
i. CCWC National Skills Coalition
e. Veteran Affairs
i. Organizational Chart
ii. New Website
f. Workforce Training Subcommittee
i. Labor Market & Economic Development Data
ii. Workforce 102
iii. Veteran 102

1

14 Office of External & Employer Relations iv. Bus Tours Schedule 2:10 - 2:20 James McGee Workforce Progr am Development Process
g. Centers of Excellence representing Scott
Stallman Office of External and Employer Relations
i. Oil & Gas
LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs ii. Transportation and Supply Chain 2:20 - 2:30 Darrin Rankin
h. Expansion Process 2:30 - 3:00 Pat Sendelbach
i. Curriculum Team Day 2 – Vote Item 3:00 - 3:15 Deb Roberts
j. Advisory Councils
k. METC schedule 3:15 - 3:20 Gloria Williams/Krystal
4. VPI Council Update Hobson

5. VPSS Council Update 3:20 - 4:00
6. VPAD Update
7. Program Development Update Chart

a. Workforce Program Development Funds
b. Workforce Program Update Chart
c. PCAL/PLA

i. New Programs Meeting
a. Business Analytics – January 7, 2019
b. Fire Science – January 14, 2019

ii. Program Modification Meeting
a. Logistics Management – January 15, 2019

8. For-vote and Action Item Recap

9. Break for Subcommittee Meetings

2

Workforce Publications
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Workforce Publications
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Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 1

Progr am Recommendations

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS

The Office of External and Employer Relations (OEER) makes
recommendations for new programs, program modifications, program
expansions, and program deactivations for credit and non-credit to the Vice Chancellor of
Academic and Workforce, refer to Program Recommendations Summary Template.
Decisions are based on a thorough review of the data presented in step #9 Program
Evaluation with any additional information presented by the membership of the Chancellor’s
Cabinet and Program Industry Advisory Councils.

The Vice Chancellor of Academic and Workforce presents recommendations to Lone Star
College Presidents’ Council for input and will also ensure no negative impacts are made to
existing faculty members. After LSC Presidents’ Council review, the Senior Associate Vice
Chancellor presents recommendations to Area of Study council deans who will discuss with
dean colleagues across the LSC System and provide input. Program recommendations are
then shared with the Workforce Council on the Workforce Program Status document. All
program requests are entered and tracked in the ServiceNow (SNOW) system.

While the majority of proposals come from the annual program evaluation process (step
#9), recommendations and proposals may come from a variety of stakeholders, such as
college and campus leadership, external stakeholders, advisory committees and councils,
etc.

Program modifications that proceed through the program development process and other
program modifications require Workforce Council approval. The Workforce Administration
team will work with Area of Study and Program Curriculum Teams to determine the
appropriate steps for individual modifications and proceed to step #2 Research: Labor Market
Analysis if the modification meets one of the following:

1. Addition of another award (certificate or degree: OSA, C1, C2, AAS, ATC, ESC;
Credit or CE)

2. New program (certificate or degree; Credit or CE)
3. Revision of an existing award (Credit or CE) that falls outside of required WECM

course changes

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 17

STEP 1 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Progr am Recommendations

4. Deleting and/or adding WECM courses to a degree plan, including technical
elective options, if the changes affect more than 25% of the certificate or degree
program (Credit or CE)

5. Changes in award or program title
For Bachelor’s degrees, program development proceeds through the process with
additional information to be obtained and shared with internal departments and external
agencies.
For a program deactivation, process will proceed to step #5b Business Plan - Financial
Commitment and the following documents must be completed:

1. Deactivation Form
2. Program Closure Teach out Plan Template
For a program expansion to another campus, the process will move forward to step #2
Research: Labor Market Analysis.
If a non-credit certificate or industry certification, steps may be modified relevant to
industry and institutional need.

Process for New:
1. OEER or other proposal stakeholders make recommendations for new programs
for credit and non-credit
2. Vice Chancellor of Academic Success presents recommendations to Lone Star
College’s Presidents’ Council
3. Senior Associate Vice Chancellor presents recommendations to Area of Study
leads
4. Recommendations are shared with Workforce Council

Process for Modification:
1. OEER or other proposal stakeholders make recommendations for program
modifications for credit and non-credit
2. Vice Chancellor of Academic Success presents recommendations to Lone Star
College’s Presidents’ Council
3. Senior Associate Vice Chancellor presents recommendations to Area of Study
leads
4. Recommendations are shared with Workforce Council

18 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 1

Progr am Recommendations

Process for Deactivation:
1. OEER or other proposal stakeholders make recommendations for program
deactivations for credit and non-credit
2. Vice Chancellor of Academic Success presents recommendations to Lone Star
College’s Presidents’ Council
3. Senior Associate Vice Chancellor presents recommendations to Area of Study
leads
4. Recommendations are shared with Workforce Council

Process for Expansion:
1. OEER or other proposal stakeholders make recommendations for program
expansions for credit and non-credit
2. Vice Chancellor of Academic Success presents recommendations to Lone Star
College’s Presidents’ Council
3. Senior Associate Vice Chancellor presents recommendations to Area of Study
leads
4. Recommendations are shared with Workforce Council

Links:
• THECB Guidelines for Instruction Programs in Workforce Education (GIPWE)
• THECB Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM)
• THECB Academic Course Guide Manual (ACGM)

Timeline for new program development or expansion:
• 1 year to 18-month process for credit programs and non-credit awards of 360
contact hours or more (to be included in catalog)
• Abbreviated process for non-credit programs less than 360 hours

DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES
1 - LSC WPD Program Recommendation Summary Template
2 - LSC WFC Program Status Chart
3 - LSC ServiceNow Intake Forms (website)
4 - LSC OAA Curriculum Team Handbook (SharePoint)

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 19

STEP 1

20 Office of External & Employer Relations Workforce Program Recommendations - Feb 2021 - Per Data Review Workforce Progr am Development Process

# Program Recommendation WPD Recommendation Credit or Non- Current Campus Supporting Source(s) Conflicting Source(s) EMSI JPA Progr am Recommendations

Credit Program Step 1, Document 1

to Modify

Arts, Humanities, Communication & Design CC/CTE course or cert on how to monetize an NHCED
1 eSports eSports avocation. Sports gaming student
club/team should be developed.

Business & Professional Services New, discussion underway between Bus PDGA (high demand, low supply) GHP Forecast *
3 Office Mgmt Specialization Admin and Admin Svcs teams PDGA shows gap for clerks & sales agents Not on WIOA list *
4 Insurance Adjuster New - look at certification for CTE/CC PDGA shows low need for adjuster;
Consider Insurance Processing Clerks, or Industry input (Travelers recruits from *
Computer/Digital Technology possibly sales agent universities and trains in-house; AAA contact *
5 Amazon Web Services &/or Microsoft expects auto adjusters to be obsolete in near
CC Cert future)

PDGA (high demand, low supply for IT in
general)
Chancellor's CIO Adv Council supports
certifications

Energy, Manufacturing & Construction

6 Commercial Construction - Heavy equipment CC Cert PDGA (gaps throughout construction sector)
GHP Econ Forecast shows steady WF needs
operator, carpentry for roads/highways, concrete, across construction

electrical and HVAC installation

Health Sciences Various CC Certs; GHP Econ Forecast WFC AoS discussion
7 Healthcare In health fields as industry identify needs or PDGA shows gaps in health fields already
expansions; covered by LSC non-credit program
LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs
Public Safety & Human/Consumer Services Need S.Diviney's assistance to identify health PDGA (high demand, low supply) Not on GCWB WIOA List (does not meet *
8 Culinary industry needs & connections GHP Emp Forecast median wage criteria)
PDGA (high demand) Not on WIOA list (probably bc govt job)
9 Police Academy (TCOLE) AAS & Cert at Conroe ISD as Dual Credit TCOLE positive discussion w/SAVC

New fast track cert & AAS;
Supportive, especially for LSC-HN or LSC-NH

LSC Workforce Program Development OEER Program Development Status Chart

Program Request Date
1 Artificial Intelligence Credit/Non-credit
Level of Award Sought
Location (requested)
Location (recommended)
Type (New,Modification)
Curriculum Team(s)
Step #1
Program Requests
Step #2
Research: Labor Market Analysis and
University Transfer Data
WFC or Academic Transfer Council Vote
Step #3
Research Validation: Focus Group
WFC or Academic Transfer Council
Vote
CE - WFC Notification
Step #4
Competency Validation: M-PCAL
Step #5
Curriculum Plan Development
Step #6
Financial Plan
WFC Financial Review Subcommittee
CFO/VC Approval
Presidents Council Approval
Chancellor's Cabinet Approval
Projected LSC Board Approval
LSC Board Approval
Submission to OAA
THECB Approval
Step #7
Prog Preparation & Student Recruitment
Step #8
Disseminate Approved Program Details
Step #9
Program Begins
Step #10
Program Evaluation
Notes
Proposed Implementation Date
Implementation Date
Last Update

SP21 Credit AAS UP New Innovation X X TBD To start with 16 hr CC overview FA22 5/18/2021
C1 & AoS Team course as leadership determines 6/7/2021
October type of degree to pursue 6/7/2021
NH 2021 Dr. Smith scheduled meetings June 6/7/2021
7 & 14, 2021
August 4/8/2021
2 Aviation Maintenance/Mechanic SP21 Credit AAS M Professional X X prov 4/16/2021 N/A due x 2021 More research to be conducted FA22 6/2/2021
C2 Pilot (FG) to FAA August and discussed by leadership. June 6/7/2021
C1 Guideline 2021 WFC vote item. NOTE: FAA
5/11/2021 approvals take approximately 18 4/8/21
(ATEC-AMT s TBD months.
Webinar)
3 Barbering FA20 Credit AAS NH NH New Cosmetology x x prov 5/28/2015 x xX October August 21 BAI Prep FA22
4 Business Insurance Specialists X 2021
C1 X Ap
pro June June 2021
12/17/2020 Both AAS M New Business ve 2021 Aon requested thru LSC-M; Mtg FA22
d with Dr. R 2-1-21; LSC-M met again
with Aon 2/3/21;
Pending feedback on CC inclusion

Adjusted to CC rather than credit,
per input from LSC-M

5 Carbon Sequestration Technician SP20 Credit Unkn UP New N/A X X Ap Aproved 3/31/21 WFC vote TBD
own pro
ve
6 Cloud Computing FA20 Credit AAS ? New Information x d X x Pursue general cloud computer FA22 Workforce Progr am Development Process
Technology (rather than AWS) per Curr Team
X Chancellor's and LH; Pending decision on Progr am Recommendations
IT Advisory location,
Council Chancellor's Council feedback Step 1, Document 2
5/12/21 received and to be shared with
Curriculum team.
LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 21 7 Emergency Management SP19 Credit AAS SO New EMS, FS, CJ x x x Thru Notific Thru x x x On hold until further notice from FA22
VC;
Chancellor's ation Chancello Chancellor's Adv Council met Dec 1
June 2021 BAI Item
adv council r's adv Curriculum sent to OAA for review
4//8/21
council Awaiting Fire and EMS team
responses to waiving pre and co-
8 Environmental Technology SP21 Credit AAS KW New x x Ap requisites (5.18.21)
pro
(Environmental Science and Water ve Approved 3/31/21 WFC vote
d results

Resources Technologies)

OEER: For information contact [email protected]

STEP 1

STEP 1 Intake Page

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Progr am Recommendations

BSteeplo1w, D iosc tuhmeen itn3itial WPD portal intake page. Note there are three options under the “Request Type” field.
The subsequent form is determined by a selection from this field.

22 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 1

Progr am Recommendations

Step 1, Document 4

CURRICULUM TEAM

HANDBOOK

LSC Workforce Program Development 2021-22

LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 23

STEP 1 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Progr am Recommendations

CURRICULUM MANAGEMENT PROCESS

2021-2022 Curriculum Development Cycle
Curriculum Approval Process

#1a) Curriculum Team #1b) Curriculum Team #2) External Impact Review

Submits Change Request and Verifies and approves proposal Participants = Accreditation (awards)
Meeting Minutes to Curriculum OEER (Workforce Programs)
Participants = Curriculum Team Deadline = 3 Calendar Days
Management Deadline = 5 Calendar Days

Participants = Curriculum
Management and Curriculum Team

#4) Campus Deans #5) Educational Programs #6) Vice-Presidents of
Council Instruction
Participants = Deans of campuses
that offer program Participants = EPC Participants = VPI Council
Notification to VPIs
Deadline = 5 Calendar Days Deadline = 5 Calendar Days

#7) LSC Board of Trustees #8) THECB Key

(ONLY New Programs or Program Participants = THECB Proposal Development Phase
Expansions, Policies, Core) (Curriculum Management)
Decision Step
Participants = LSC BOT #10) Catalog Implementation • Action – Approve or Reject, Comment
(Curriculum Management) and Audit • Majority decision, but at least one vote is required.
• All rejection decisions require a comment
#9) Notification Participants = Curriculum
Acknowledgement Management explanation.
• Rejected proposals return to Curriculum Team.
Participants = VA, INTL, FA, NOT A DECISION STEP
SACSCOC, OHR, Student Records, Impact – External Review
• Action – Hold, Comment, Update Impact, Add
Payroll, Student Acct Rec., SPA
NOT A DECISION STEP Attachment

Documentation – External Decisions
• Action – Approve or Reject, Hold, Comment, Add

Attachment
• Rejected proposals return to Curriculum Team.

Implementation Step
• Action – Comment, Add Attachment

v.7/29/2021.arr

Curriculum revisions are submitted by faculty, LSC administrators, community members, or advisory
committee members to curriculum teams. All revisions to the curriculum are channeled to the appropriate
curriculum team for discussion and consideration of the feasibility and necessity of the curricular change.
Curriculum team representatives should discuss ideas submitted with their dean, chair. Campus faculty
representatives from their discipline should also solicit feedback, communicate curriculum team decisions
and recommendations. When a curriculum team initiates a change in a course shared with another
curriculum team, the initiating Dean facilitator should work with the other team’s Dean facilitator to reach
mutual agreement.

CURRICULUM TEAM HANDBOOK | Lone Star College 14

24 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Publications
CE

Workforce Publications
CE

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 2

Research Labor Market Analysis

RESEARCH LABOR MARKET ANALYSIS

The Office of External and Employer Relations (OEER) conducts
research on labor market supply and demand (see LSC Labor
Market Study), demographic and economic data (see North Harris
Economic Development Council (NHEDC) Demographic and
Economic Profile) and presents recommendations to Workforce Council annually as
a part of step #9 program review and after program recommendations are approved
from step #1.

Labor market research includes real-time labor market analytics, employment
supply and demand analysis, wage data, and competition data. Demographic and
economic data will include business activities such as growth and foreclosure for
Harris, Montgomery and Waller counties. Household demographic information
available using: EMSI, Chmura/JobsEQ, ESRI’s ArcGIS, and Salesgenie.

Process:
1. OEER conducts research
2. OEER analyzes data
3. OEER presents analysis to Workforce Council
4. Workforce Council votes on recommendations to move to Step #3 (Focus Group)
5. Presidents’ Council receives update on Workforce Council vote results from Vice
Chancellor of Academic Success

DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES
1 - LSC NHEDC Labor Market Study
2 - LSC NHEDC Demographic and Economic Profile
3 - LSC Environmental Scan produced by EMSI (annual)
4 - Other Labor Market Research Resources
*Note: All data is uploaded to WFC SharePoint site prior to for-vote
agenda.

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 27

STEP 2 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Step 2, Document 1

Labor Market Report: Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians

Proposed Offering: ☒New program ☐ Modification of current program ☐Expansion to another campus

Labor Market Summary

Workforce Demand
• 223 Houston MSA Average Annual Openings.......................................................................................................TWC
• 822 Job postings within the past year Houston MSA .......................................................................................... EMSI
Occupational Wages
• High-Skill, High-Growth Jobs Targeted by the Gulf Coast Workforce Board .................................................... $18.70
• TWC Houston MSA Median Hourly Wage .............................................................................................................N/A
• EMSI Houston MSA Median Hourly Wage........................................................................................................ $26.02
Training Competition
• 0 Community College programs in the Gulf Coast........................................................................... THECB Inventory
• 0 Total graduates from community college programs in the Gulf Coast 2013-2018 ........... Perkins Data Resources
Data and source details follow.

Date: 4/26/21 Lone Star College
Created By: G. Williams LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

28 Office of External & Employer Relations

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 2

Research Labor Market Analysis

Identification of Occupation

Program (CIP) to Occupations (SOC) Crosswalk:
Program CIP: 51.1005 Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist
Source: https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/CIP?s=51.1005&g=Go

Summary Report for: 29-2011.00 - Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.
Sample of reported job titles: Chief Medical Technologist; Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS); Clinical Laboratory Technologist;
Histologist Technologist; Medical Laboratory Technologist (Medical Lab Tech); Medical Technologist (MT); Medical
Technologist, Clinical Laboratory Scientist; Microbiology Technologist
*Source: Department of Labor, O*NET, https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2011.00

(For more detail on this occupation, see also the EMSI graphs near the end of this report.)

Date: 4/26/21 Lone Star College
Created By: G. Williams LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 29

LSC Workforce Program Development

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

STEP 2 Education Level

SOC Title Educational Requirements Source
29-2012 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Associate’s degree TWC 2016-26

(For more detail on this occupation’s credential requirements, see also the EMSI Educational Requirements and
Certifications graphs near the end of this report.)

Source: EMSI Analyst (2016-2026)

Date: 4/26/21 Lone Star College
Created By: G. Williams
LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs
30 Office of External & Employer Relations

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Occupational Demand STEP 2

Occupational growth (%): Title % Projected Avg % Projected Growth
SOC Annual Change 2018-2028

29-2011 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Gulf Coast Metropolitan Source
29-2012 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians Statistical Area EMSI 2020.2
-
2.3%
21.8%
- TWC 2016-26

Number of position openings projected in the Gulf Coast Region (TWC)/Houston MSA (EMSI): Source
EMSI 2020.2
SOC Title Total Avg Annual Openings (2019)
Openings

29-2011 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists - 416

29-2012 Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians 223 - TWC 2016-26

Source: EMSI Analyst (2016-2026) Lone Star College

Date: 4/26/21 LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 31
Created By: G. Williams

LSC Workforce Program Development

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

STEP 2

Source: EMSI Analyst (2016-2026)

Number of position openings (2019) in the LSC service area: LSC-K LSC-M LSC-NH LSC-T TAAO Source
TAAO TAAO TAAO
SOC Title Openings LSC-CF
(2019)* TAAO 19

29-2011 Medical and Clinical 113 46 24 30 32 EMSI 2020.2
Laboratory Technologists

*Unduplicated
Note: LSC-UP zip codes are not yet available, so data for its service area cannot be calculated.

Recognition by Gulf Coast Workforce Board:
Is this occupational title on the Gulf Coast Occupations in Demand/High-Skill, High-
Growth Occupations Supported by Workforce Solutions Scholarships List?
Yes ____ No __x__

Date: 4/26/21 Lone Star College
Created By: G. Williams LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

32 Office of External & Employer Relations

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Salary/Wage STEP 2

SOC OCCUPATION ENTRY MEDIAN MEAN Source
- $ 26.02 - EMSI 2020.2
29-2011 Medical and Clinical
Laboratory Technologists

29-2012 Medical and Clinical N/A N/A N/A TWC 2018

Laboratory Technicians

For context & comparison, please note that the wage criterion for High-Skill, High-Growth Jobs Targeted by the Gulf Coast
Workforce Board is $18.70 (the median hourly wage for all occupations in the region).

Source: EMSI Analyst (2016-2026)

Date: 4/26/21 Lone Star College
Created By: G. Williams LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 33

LSC Workforce Program Development

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

STEP 2 Existing Program Information

Program/School Award Graduates Job Placement Rate
*as of SP18 2013/14 to 2017/18 (Graduates’ Placement)
CIP Code 51.1005
none Cert AAS ATC 2014/15 – 2016/17

Sources: Texas Higher Education Data Perkins Data Perkins Data

*Non-Credit data is not available
**More than one program can be included in the CIP code

Other community colleges in Texas with this type of program:
None

Date: 4/26/21 Lone Star College
Created By: G. Williams LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

34 Office of External & Employer Relations

LSC Workforce Program Development Top Job Titles for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
H-TW-S MSA
Apr 2020 – Mar 2021
High School Diploma/GED and Associate’s Degree
There are 822 unique postings with the current filters applied.



LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 35 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

STEP 2

STEP 2

36 Office of External & Employer Relations Top Hard Skills for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Workforce Progr am Development Process
H-TW-S MSA
Apr 2020 – Mar 2021 Research Labor Market Analysis
High School Diploma/GED and Associate’s Degree
There are 822 unique postings with the current filters applied.

LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

LSC Workforce Program Development Top Qualifications for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
H-TW-S MSA
Apr 2020 – Mar 2021
High School Diploma/GED and Associate’s Degree
There are 822 unique postings with the current filters applied.



LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 37 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

STEP 2

STEP 2

38 Office of External & Employer Relations Top Companies posting for Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists Workforce Progr am Development Process
H-TW-S MSA
Apr 2020 – Mar 2021 Research Labor Market Analysis
High School Diploma/GED and Associate’s Degree
There are 822 unique postings with the current filters applied.

LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 2

Research Labor Market Analysis

Step 2, Document 2

Lone Star College
North Houston Economic Development Center

1st Quarter Economic Development Report

March 1, 2021 – May 31, 2021
Prepared for Harris County Budget Management Department

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 39

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

STEP 2 During the period of March 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021 the North Houston Economic
Development Center (NHEDC) at Lone Star College engaged in the following economic
development activities. Throughout this report, Harris County precincts are noted in red for
activities that benefited or represented those specific precincts.

BUSINESS RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND EXPANSION

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – March 01, 2021 – May 31, 2021
• Total advising hours for this time is 703.13 hours to 622 distinct clients.
• 3 new business starts and $531,000 in capital formation.
• 15 jobs created; 2 jobs retained.

Research and Reports

NHEDC fulfilled numerous requests for research and data reports in support of various
community and economic development projects and activities throughout the region.
Research was requested from numerous area chambers of commerce, businesses,
nonprofit organizations, and community and economic development organizations
throughout Harris County. NHEDC responded to numerous individual research requests
during the fourth quarter, including the following:

• Provided Greater Magnolia Parkway Chamber of Commerce with two Salesgenie
business list reports. Precinct 2

• Provided East Harris County with seven demographic information and seven
Salesgenie business list reports. Precincts 3,4

• Provided nine demographic reports and five Salesgenie business list reports to
SBDC Advisors to assist their clients. Precincts 1,2,3,4

• Provided eight demographic reports to Islamic Relief USA Dormitory. Precincts
1,2,3,4

• Provided data to develop the following five (5) new programs of study at Lone Star
College and shared with other community colleges:
o Business Analytics
o Emergency Management
o Law Enforcement
o Line Worker
o Medical Lab Assistant Tech

Hosted and Sponsored Events

All sponsored events included Harris County officials, economic development partners,
and Lone Star College representatives as our virtual guests.

• Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce General Luncheon & Business
EXPO. Attended 05/18/2021 Precinct 4

• Greater Houston Partnership State of Technology Event. Attended 04/19/2021
Precincts 1,2,3,4

• Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce Events. Precincts 1,2,3,4
o The Woodlands/North Houston Chapter meeting. Attended 03/17/2021

40 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 2

Research Labor Market Analysis

o The Woodlands/North Houston Chapter meeting. Attended 4/21/2021
o Greater Houston Conference for Women. Attended 04/22/2021
o The Woodlands/North Houston Chapter meeting. Attended 5/19/2021
• Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Forum.
Attended 04/08/2021 Precincts 1,4
• Tejano Center 2nd Annual State of The Center Luncheon. Attended 05/07/2021
Precinct 2
• The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference.
Attended 04/14/2021 Precinct 4

Leadership and Representation in Local, State, and National Organizations

During this quarter, NHEDC representatives participated in the following:

• Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Forum
Planning Committee Meeting Attended: 3/2/2021 Precinct 1,4

• Near Northwest Management District – Economic & Business Development
Committee. Attended 05/12/2021 Precinct 1

• The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce
o Executive Leadership Council. Attended 05/12/2021
o Board Meeting. Attended 05/28/2021

• The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership – Elected Officials
Reception. Attended 05/13/2021

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 41

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Step 2, Document 3

STEP 2

42 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 2

Research Labor Market Analysis

ABOUT

Lone Star College (LSC) is a large, two-year college based in Houston, Texas, with numerous
campuses, university centers, and Centers of Excellence serving the greater Houston area. Across its
many locations, LSC enrolls over 110,000 students annually, providing a broad spectrum of degrees,
certificates, workforce training, and other forms of education. Established in 1972, LSC's mission is
to provide comprehensive educational opportunities and programs to enrich lives.

Lone Star College
5000 Research Forest Road
The Woodlands, TX 77381
LoneStar.edu

Emsi is a leading provider of labor market data to professionals in higher education,

economic development, workforce development, talent acquisition, and site selection. Emsi data are used to
solve a variety of problems: align programs with regional needs, equip students with career visions,
understand regional economic and workforce activity, and find and hire the right talent. Emsi serves clients
across the U.S., UK, and Canada.

Emsi
232 N Almon Street
Moscow, ID 83843
EconomicModeling.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Emsi gratefully acknowledges the excellent support of the faculty and staff at LSC for making this study
possible. Special thanks go to Dr. Stephen C. Head, Chancellor, who approved the study, and to the
Division of External and Employer Relations (DEER) for initiation of the project and collection of much of
the data and information requested.
The opinions and recommendations expressed in this report are those of Emsi. These views should not be
construed as representing the official policies of LSC or DEER. Furthermore, any errors in this report are the
responsibility of Emsi and not of any of the above-mentioned parties.

Visit the LSC Employee Intranet site for the full document:
myLoneStar.SharePoint.com/Sites/DEER_ProgramAdmin/SitePages/Research

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 43

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Step 2, Document 4

STEP 2 Research Resources

Job Profiles, Employment Statistics, Social, and Education
Characteristics

Higher Education Graduate Data: Review graduate information for all THECB approved programs in

the state.

THECB:

Perkins Data Resources
http://www.txhighereddata.org/index.cfm?objectId=1FA3F8F0-E1FF-11E8-BB650050560100A9

Degree Program Clearinghouse
http://www.txhighereddata.org/interactive/CTCClearingHouse/default.cfm

Career Codes: Every THECB program is assigned a CIP code; new programs must identify themselves

within a CIP code. Both CIP and SOC codes are used to identify job characteristics and data details.

Find CIP codes:

National Center for Education Statistics
https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/cip2000/index.asp

Find SOC codes:

Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.bls.gov/SOC/

Occupation Profiles: Job characteristics and employment data based upon CIP and SOC codes.

O*Net
https://www.onetonline.org/

Career One Stop
www.careeronestop.org/

State Labor Market Data Resources:

Texas Workforce Commission

www.twc.state.tx.us/customers/rpm/rpm.html

Workforce Solutions

http://www.wrksolutions.com/for-employers/understand-the-local-labor-market
High-Skill, High-Growth Jobs Targeted by the Gulf Coast Workforce Board:
http://www.wrksolutions.com/Documents/Individuals/faj/highskillprofile/High-Skill_High-Growth_Occupations.pdf

Houston Galveston Area Council

www.h-gac.com

OEER/Research Resources

44 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Texas Economic Development STEP 2

https://gov.texas.gov/business

Texas Economic Development Council

www.texasedc.org

Local Community Resources: Note data can be pulled in various tools by city, state, metropolitan statistical

area, or by zip code.

North Houston Economic Development Center (NHEDC)

http://www.lonestar.edu/economicdevelopment/

The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership

http://www.edpartnership.net/

Greater Houston Partnership

www.houston.org

Demographic Data and Other Data: Note data can be pulled in various tools by city, state,

metropolitan statistical area, or by zip code.
www.census.gov

www.city-data.com

www.glassdoor.com

www.salary.com

Local ISD Reporting: Review demographics, enrollments, graduates, and state test information for each

ISD.
https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data

Lone Star College Contracted Resources:

Economic Modeling Specialist, Inc. EMSI has timely labor market, wage, and demand data by CIP code

for occupations for assigned zip codes, counties, or MSA regions. EMSI provides current real-time job posting
analytics information and forecasts.
www.economicmodeling.com

Esri Demographic analysis, ring studies, traffic reports, and infographics by zip code, county, and LSC service

area. Reports available in PDF and Excel format.
www.esri.com

JobsEQ Workforce, labor, and skills data. Reports available in Word, PDF, and Excel formats.

www.chmuraecon.com

Salesgenie Lists of businesses (including contacts) by industry, NAICS code, and keywords. Reports available

in Excel format.
www.dataaxlegenie.com

OEER/Research Resources

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 45

STEP 2 Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Labor Market Analysis

Commercial Gateway Site location of land and buildings. Reports available in PDF format

www.commgate.com

National Data Resources:
Columbia University Community College Research Center: The Community College Research Center

(CCRC) at Teachers College has been a leader in the field of community college research and reform for over
20 years
https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/

OEER/Research Resources LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs
46 Office of External & Employer Relations

Workforce Publications
CE

Workforce Publications
CE

Workforce Progr am Development Process STEP 3

Research Validation: Employer Focus Group

RESEARCH VALIDATION: EMPLOYER FOCUS GROUP

The purpose of an employee focus group is to validate LSC labor market
research by having industry experts confirm the data for occupational fields
to ensure program viability. The items validated include:

• job title
• salary
• number of jobs openings
• technical and behavioral skills
• companies with job postings
• equipment and software used on the job with costs
• educational requirements
• required industry certifications
• accreditation agency instructional requirements
• consumable supplies

OEER Outreach and Communications will organize the focus group. To develop the
invitation list, contacts will be sourced from advisory committees, Corporate College
contacts, the LSC Job Placement Department, real-time labor market analysis,
professional relationships or other places.

A strong representation of industry at a focus group is critical to effective program
development. An ideal meeting would include 10 companies to ensure a broad
representation of industry hiring opportunities for potential future graduates. While this
number varies across program fields, it is imperative that the companies have workforce
demands that meet or exceed current and future program graduate numbers for the
greater Houston area. For example, if a proposed program were anticipated to generate
30 graduates annually, then the industry makeup must represent an equal or greater
workforce need. The results of this meeting will also help determine campus location or
multiple locations.

OEER develops Focus Group Notes with recommendations to be presented to
Workforce Council for approval to move forward to Competency Identification (Step #4).

Alternative options to Focus Group meetings are occasionally necessary. These may
include industry one-on-one calls, surveys, and Chancellor Advisory Council

LSC Workforce Program Development LoneStar.edu/Workforce-Council 49

Workforce Progr am Development Process

Research Validation: Employer Focus Group

discussions. Regardless of meeting method, industry feedback is a valuable and
necessary component to program development. The same topics are discussed in all
methods of industry engagement.

STEP 3 Process:
1. Focus Group date set
2. Invitee names and contact information gathered
3. Internal focus group planning meetings held

• Agenda set
• Invitation developed
• Discussion questions determined
• Presentation developed
• Scribes determined
4. Invitations sent to internal and external stakeholders via email

5. Follow-up calls made to industry invitees
6. Focus Group held
7. Meeting notes created and distributed to Workforce Council and campus instructional

leadership
8. Workforce Council Financial Subcommittee is convened to provide input to the Lone Star

College financial commitment

9. Presidents’ Council receives OEER recommendation from OEER leadership for input
10. Begin drafting THECB required documents (to be finalized after Competency Identification

meeting in step #4)
• Program Information Form
• Program Competencies
• Curriculum Plan
• New Course Proposal Form (when applicable)

DOCUMENTS AND RESOURCES

1 - LSC OEER Focus Group Sample Agenda
2 - LSC OEER Focus Group Invitation
3 - LSC OEER Sample Focus Group slide format
4 - LSC WPD Approved Focus Group Notes (to be included within THECB submission
package)
5 - THECB Required Documents Draft

• LSC OAA Program Information Form
• LSC WPD Program Competencies Spreadsheet
• LSC WPD Curriculum Plan
• LSC OAA New Course Proposal Form (when applicable)
6 - Chancellor’s Advisory Council Handbook

50 Office of External & Employer Relations LoneStar.edu/External-Affairs