was working as Dean of the
would call her asking if the college
could send a Middlesex faculty member
over to teach and train their employees
in a variety of areas. This happened so
often it prompted Cowan to approach
the college administration about setting
up a formal workforce training program
for businesses in MCC's service area.
working to identify employers in the
region and develop training models
based on their needs. Although some
members of the campus community
didn't see workforce development as
a priority, explained Cowan, the
national discussion at the time quickly
led them to understand that workforce
development is an important part of
the college's mission.
much MCC's `customer' as individual
students, and that was an important
connection we needed to foster,"
said Cowan.
Workforce Training Program is highly
successful. For nearly two decades,
Middlesex has worked with local em-
ployers to educate and train thousands
businesses, industries and
municipalities throughout
Middlesex County.
development initiatives was the
creation of the Software Technical
Writing Program. "Many English
off in the 1980s. The college looked for
a profession with a hiring need so we
could move these teachers into new
careers, and the Software Technical
Writing Program was a good match,"
said Cowan.
is workforce development meaning everything we do
is to help our students get a job when they graduate."