A Food Manufacturing Industry-Driven Collaborative Project October 5, 2005 A Washington First ! State-Wide Workforce Skill Panel Key Links, Inc.

Patrick Baldoz, Director Curt Kaple, Program Coordinator

Dave Klick, Executive Vice President and Staff

Key Links, Inc Audrey Theis, Ph.D., President

Project: Establish a State-wide Washington Food Processors Workforce Skill Panel to Target Two High-Skill / High Wage Job Categories 1.Food Processor Mechanics and Process Technology $ $33.17 / hour 2.Supervisors / Managers (including women, Hispanic and other minorities) with potential to become food industry leaders $ $46.57 / hour

Concept in Summary Establish a Washington statewide private-public food processing workforce skill panel – industry, labor, education, and government Take a fresh look at the targeted job categories Research the job categories Recommend solutions to close skill gaps Communicate to stakeholders

Deliverable #1 Establish / Maintain Statewide Food Processing Skill Panel September 2005 – June 2006 Prime Responsibility – Key Links Build upon successful Eastern Washington Agriculture – Food Processing Partnership Organize and convene the skill panel Gain consensus on a plan of action and activities

Deliverable #2 Compile Targeted Job Information on Industry Needs and Education Provider Services October 2005 – February 2006 Prime Responsibility – Key Links Compile industry information Research, validate and develop, as necessary skill sets and career paths Compile education provider services

Deliverable #3 Address and Communicate Expected Gaps of Industry Needs and Education Provider Resources November 2005 – March 2006 Prime Responsibility – Key Links Analyze data and utilize skill panel to develop methodology Communicate gap information to stakeholders, including NW cluster project Conduct meeting of all stakeholders at January 2006 Annual Food Processors Exposition

Deliverable #4 Investigate Workforce Clearing House System September 2005 – June 2006 Prime Responsibility – Northwest Food Processors Association Compile and evaluate best practices on linking demand side needs and supply side services (optional – depending on research, time, and budget remaining, conduct limited beta test of a clearinghouse for linking training needs and services.

Deliverable #5 Develop Project Report and Communicate to Stakeholders While Assuring Sustainability April 2006 – June 2006 and beyond Prime Responsibility – Key Links Develop recommendations Develop plans for clearinghouse sustainability through NWFPA Document and publish proceedings

Budget for Washington Food Processor Skill Panel Primary Administrative and fiscal agent Tri- County Workforce Development Council $11,100 Subcontractor Key Links $30,940 Subcontractor Northwest Food Processors Association $31,900 Total Project $73,940