The EnterTech Project - Introduction

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The EnterTech Project is the development of a support model including a unique, realistic, interactive approach to training designed to provide employers with employees that are (l) ready for entry-level positions in technology and related supply and service industries; (2) equipped to solve work-related problems and add value to their workplace; and (3) prepared to continue improving their skills and education. The Governor of the State of Texas is providing funding to support the project. The IC² Institute, The University of Texas at Austin facilitates the project for a coalition of more than 70 employers, community-based organizations, educators and policy makers. Targeted learners are high school and college students, dislocated workers, incumbent workers, recipients of public assistance, and unemployed or underemployed people.

The Training Program

EnterTech is web-based training for people who want to enter and succeed in the technology workforce although the skills are transferable to other industries. The learner acts as an employee with peers and supervisors in a virtual technology company. This web-based company is part of an integrated learning environment that also includes a personal planner, institution and instructor's guide, group activities, and interactions with the instructor.

The employer-validated competencies are based on actual on-the-job observations, and in-put from entry-level workers. Competencies include understanding an employer's needs and expectations, developing good workplace habits and ethics, utilizing available resources, managing time, communicating well, reasoning mathematically, solving problems and on-going learning. While these skills will be taught by performing actual entry-level tasks in the virtual technology company, the skills are transferable to other industries also. In addition to workplace tasks, the learners will solve problems relating to their personal lives, such as transportation issues and child care issues, as they impact the workplace. Learners will utilize local resources to solve these problems.

Outcomes

Creation of a virtual technology company on-line with the learner as an employee in the virtual company.

Learning in a virtual work setting such that the learner gets a "feel" of a technology company.

Delivery of knowledge, skills, and abilities in a virtual work setting with problem solving scenarios relating to work as well as addressing problems where the learner's personal life impacts work.

Expansion and contraction of the length of the training program driven by the learner's successful completion of module post-tests facilitated by (a) tracking the learner's progress and (b) directing each learner to new training materials based on the individual's appropriate skill level.

Experience by learner with word processing, spread sheet applications, and email.

Availability of information and web links to community resources to assist the learner in understanding how to create support networks at home and at work.

Creation of a results-oriented portfolio with problem-solving and assessment results, and actual work examples with levels of skills achieved by the learner upon completion.

Schedule

Production of the software, full development of the integrated learning environment and initial testing will be completed by December 31, 1999. In the year 2000, pilot sites will be operational throughout the state. In August 2000, the program will be ready for full-scale implementation.