Start a PTEC™ Program

This is a guide for institutions, industry and other interested parties that want to collaborate with CAPT to establish a Process Technology (PTEC™) program. Successful PTEC programs have followed or used the methods and information provided in this guide. However, it is the commitment and dedication of those seeking to start a program that is an absolute must for establishing and attaining a successful program. It is incumbent on the principles involved to build a trustful relationship that recognizes and fulfills the needs of all the partners in the program.

I. The key criteria listed below are critical for the successful establishment of an industry/education advisory committee:

"Process Dynamics for Starting a PTEC™ Program"

• Benchmark and learn from others who have successful programs
• Ensure the program is industry-defined and industry-driven
• Become one of the champions
• Find common ground with all partners
• Grow from and beyond personal agendas to teamwork
• Prepare to give more than you receive
• Ignore traditional boundaries - be willing to go beyond and not just accept the status quo
• Identify and set clear priorities
• Set goals and timelines to achieve them
• Define action items and those responsible for accomplishing them
• Offer a product that is valued by all
• Stay focused on the product
• Make sure that you are not your only customer
• Share your success story

II. Provide an administrative summary for institutional administrators and share the following about the program.

"Executive Summary - PTEC™ Program Proposal"

• Purpose
• Goals and Strategies
• Key Programs and Planned Activities
• Expected Outcomes

III. Define partner benefits - what the program will provide for each and how the program can affect their operational and business strategy.

• Educational Benefits:
• Increases student and instructor population
• Increases enrollment in other disciplines
• More students mean more money and more programs
• Provides good PR for the institution
• PTEC™ is the largest program at many institutions
• Job placement rates for graduates are greater than 97%
• Provides cooperative links to other educational institutions
• Industry Benefits:
• Provides more highly qualified entry level personnel who score higher on pre-employment tests
• Reduces cost of hiring new personnel (e.g.; applications, testing, interviews)
• Reduces basic training costs by 75% and the initial training of new hires is reduced
• Reduces job specific training costs by 40% and PTEC graduates qualify on the job sooner
• Reduces safety related incidents by 37%, according to a major industry partner study
• Community Benefits:
• Provides opportunity for career change
• Provides for workforce re-education and re-tooling for displaced workers
• Provides opportunities for high school graduates, low income students and minority students
• Provides pay in excess of $40,000 per year
• Provides increased economic revenues
• Provides for community and population stability

IV. Collectively define and decide on an appropriate curriculum.

Look at programs offered at other institutions and tailor a curriculum that meets the needs of industry in the area: "Examples of AAS Degree Programs"

V. Create a list of equipment and other support materials needed for the program.

Look at: "Recommended Equipment List for PTEC™"

VI. Examples of timelines for establishing a PTEC program at the state level.

See document: "Timelines for Establishing a PTEC™ Program"