Fast Facts

• One-year program includes a paid work rotation and classroom instruction
• Students earn a certificate of applied science in chemical and polymer operator technology
• Initial grant includes 40 students for 2012 and 2013
• Training provides needed talent pipeline for strong regional industry

Learn and Earn Program: An Introduction    
DuPont Washington Works, one of the largest DuPont manufacturing facilities in the world, is partnering with West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVU Parkersburg) to help meet the regional demand for chemical and process operators.

In addition to coursework, the one-year Learn and Earn program includes paid on-site training at the DuPont plant and culminates in a Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology Certificate. This model gives students the opportunity to link classroom instruction with practical work experience.

DuPont’s Learn and Earn Program is limited to career-technical programs that are low enrollment, high demand occupations. By focusing on the skills needed to meet the demands of polymer companies in and around Parkersburg, West Virginia, this partnership helps ensure a strong workforce pipeline is created to fill open positions in the local economy.

How the Program Works
The Learn and Earn Program gives selected students the opportunity to earn a 30-hour certificate of applied science in chemical and polymer operator technology while also gaining on-the-job skills and a salary. The state of West Virginia and DuPont each cover half the cost to pay students for the work done during each 3-month rotation.

DuPont worked closely with the community college to develop the curriculum and identify the equipment necessary to support the classroom training. 

DuPont’s Learn and Earn Program:

• Prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to begin a successful career in chemical and process technology
• Provides opportunities for current industry employees to further their training and prepare for advancement opportunities
• Develops a comprehensive student cooperative work experience with DuPont Washington Works

Students, in groups of ten, complete a semester of classes then rotate to DuPont Washington Works for three months of on-site training. This is followed by a second semester of classes at WVU Parkersburg and a final three month rotation at DuPont.

Classes are taught at the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) Polymer Technology Park. The paid work rotation at DuPont reinforces knowledge gained in the classroom by providing a supervised work experience in manufacturing methods, process operations, planning and scheduling and equipment operation used to process raw materials into a final product.

Other local partners are also involved to create a fully integrated workforce training model. For instance, regional high school guidance counselors are informed of the program’s opportunities and the program is featured at local high school career fairs. Also, the local Workforce Investment Board assists in the recruitment of individuals, works closely with Workforce Investment Act eligible participants and assists with partnership connections. 

“Learn and Earn graduates will enter the workforce with the real-world knowledge and hands-on experience needed to be successful chemical operators.”
- Karl J. Boelter, DuPont Plant Manager

Benefits
Students learn directly from experienced and highly skilled professionals in an environment that incorporates classroom teaching with practical instruction, allowing them to begin a successful career in chemical and process technology.

DuPont evaluates student skill levels and considers them for full-time employment upon successful completion of the program, contributing to the talent of its 1,700 employee plant.

WVU Parkersburg has the opportunity to align with local businesses in a key regional industry and to offer prospective and current students a clear career path, including certifications and paid work experience. As other polymer companies in West Virginia besides DuPont look for skilled chemical operators, the employers can count on this partnership to provide well-qualified recruits. This benefits individual companies and continues regional industry growth.

Results
The Learn and Earn Program is committed to instructing and providing work experience to 40 students during the 2012 and 2013 pilot period. Based on the success of the pilot program, DuPont is open to expanding the total number of participants.

WVU Parkersburg is committed to hire additional instructors to accelerate the number of students starting at one time and to better utilize the equipment in the learning lab. The college plans to pursue similar arrangements with ten other identified businesses that will be experiencing retirements of chemical operators.

“This is a win-win-win for WVU Parkersburg, DuPont and the students.”
- Dr. Marie Foster Gnage, WVU Parkersburg President

Skills for America's Future (SAF) is a non-partisan, employer-led initiative of the Aspen Institute. It is focused on creating a national network of partnerships among employers, community colleges, industry associations and other stakeholders. These partnerships are designed to ensure that American workers receive the necessary training to meet the skill needs of employers, giving them the opporunity to obtain and keep good jobs.

For more information about how your company can partner with community colleges and Skills for America's Future, contact Rene Bryce-Laporte at rene.bryce-laporte@aspeninst.org