News release from IPFW:
Leadership, communication, computing skills top business outreach survey results
(January 20, 2015) – Leadership development, communication, office computing, web programming, and lean manufacturing are the key training areas identified in the regional training needs survey results released today by the Division of Continuing Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW).
In October, 2014, Continuing Studies sent over 24,000 email surveys to individuals in the region. The survey sought the community’s input to ensure that the coursework and training being offered by the division are relevant in today’s fast-paced, high-tech environment.
Top training needs
Responses show high interest in the following areas:
- Leadership Development
- Computer Training
- Microsoft Office Skills
- Lean Manufacturing
- HTML5
- Spanish for Healthcare Professionals
High-demand degree programs boost earning power
The survey also asked respondents which undergraduate and graduate degree programs had the most demand in the region. Business/management took the number one spot in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Organizational Leadership and Supervision followed as a close second with Communication closely into the third ranking spot of the Undergraduate/Graduate Educational Needs survey.
Northeast Indiana’s Big Goal calls for 60 percent higher education attainment by 2025 to help working-age Hoosiers earn more throughout their lifetime. Based on a 2012 U.S. Census, data shows that only 34.4 percent of working-age Hoosiers (25 to 64 years of age) hold a two- or four-year college degree. If Indiana reaches its 60 percent college-degree attainment goal, the average annual Hoosier income level is projected to rise by more than $1,800 per person, which would also increase annual state revenue by $1.5 billion.
IPFW plans on using the survey results to develop a baseline of regional skill needs and match them with its course and training offerings. Continuing Studies will hold a second research event in order to gain deeper insight into training needs in certain areas. Participants will include area business people who volunteered to participate. New course development will be based on the results. IPFW’s current course offerings can be found at learn.ipfw.edu.
For more information on IPFW and the Division of Continuing Studies, visit their website ipfw.edu/dcs. To view the outreach survey results, visit ipfw.edu/training-needs.
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