PITTSBURGH TECHNICAL COLLEGE VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey Smith Issues Presidential Priorities Statement
Introduction
This is a time of great excitement and expectation as Pittsburgh Technical College (PTC) evolves to meet the needs of a changing workforce. The growing demand for skilled labor is driving the regional economic narrative. Emerging sectors, including energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, financial and business services and technology and robotics, are stimulating regional growth. And, PTC graduates are in demand to fill the growing need for a skilled workforce.
PTC students are being actively recruited regionally, and nationally—even before graduation. The consistently high in-field placement rates of greater than 95% for PTC graduates* is the hallmark of a deep commitment to student success, workforce alignment and academic excellence. This is a result of setting a higher standard for immersive, academic programs built around career success.
PTC partners closely with business and industry leaders to ensure graduates are able to make a difference in the workforce on day one. These partnerships are core to restoring the power and purpose of education.
Dr. Alicia B. Harvey-Smith was named president of PTC in April and has established a vision for PTC that will closely align with changing needs of the region, the workforce and students that are ready to make a difference.
Key Priorities
Priority 1: Establish PTC as the Educator of Choice for Technical Education and Careers of the Future
- Through regional, and national, business partnerships, PTC will explore and expand program offerings to align and anticipate emerging workforce demands. All PTC on-campus degree students as well as many certificate program students participate in required industry internships prior to graduation.
Priority 2: Cultivate a Pipeline for Middle Skills Needed to Fuel the Region’s Evolving Workforce
- Middle-skill jobs are the largest part of the labor market in the United States. Demand for middle-skill jobs in Pennsylvania is projected to remain strong through 2024. Through immersive, academic programs, industry-focused internships and in-field placement, PTC will build systems to attract and supply top-tier talent to fulfill the need for a changing workforce. Students graduating from PTC in 2018 had a 96% in-field placement rate.*
Priority 3: Fuel Economic Development
- The success of PTC is intrinsically tied to the success of region. PTC will fuel economic development through regional, national and international workforce development and training. A comprehensive corporate college model will provide a solution for business and industry training and development needs.
Strategic Directions
PTC is committed to an academic culture built around compassion, appreciation, respect and empowerment. This includes bridging gaps between education and opportunity. Dr. Harvey-Smith has established the following six strategic directions to take PTC into the future.
- Expand access
- Enable success:skills for the future
- Align workforce demand and curricula focus
- Elevate public and private partnerships
- Enhance financial sustainability and stewardship
- Promote culture of excellence and accountability