Workforce Development - The 10 Bridges Approach

In many countries there is a growing divide between the needs of the private sector and the distribution of skills output by the academic establishment. Globalization, privatization and liberalization all require a workforce that can quickly adapt and acquire new skills if its output is to compete in a world characterized by international standards. Schools and universities often look on high to the Ministry of Education to determine their discipline and curricula offerings but not to the private sector that buys the output of the schools and universities - the graduates. When businesses cannot obtain managers and employees with the skill sets needed to produce competitively products currently in demand locally or internationally or both, the country?s economy will suffer all the disadvantages associated with low productivity and shoddy quality including excessive reliance on imports, low levels of foreign and domestic investment, protectionist trade policies, unfavorable trade balances and barriers to competitive business operation, barriers to investment, and high unemployment.

Product Approach and Outputs

The 10 Bridges approach to defining effective workforce development strategies as applied by the Sibley Consortium fosters and helps achieve sound collaborations and partnerships between universities and the business sector. The Sibley Consortium works with stakeholders to define and implement pilot bridge programs; and then extend and mainstream these programs. Public authorities are also included to gain a ?buy-in? early and to help insure needed government approvals and policies will be forthcoming. The approach develops 10 elements of collaboration, the 10 Bridges:

  • Placement Program
  • Alumni Program
  • Internships
  • Business Association and Educators Linkages
  • Paid Consultancies
  • Executive Training / Lifelong Learning
  • Funded Research and Development
  • Informal Events: Visiting Lecturers, Social Events
  • Curriculum Advisory Boards
  • Revolving Door: Professors ==><== Professional

Benefits from the 10 Bridges approach include mutual definition of crucial performance objectives for the universities; increase in employed graduates and average starting salaries; business collaboration with universities for curriculum development, course delivery, internships, faculty and student research; business-university collaborations for product research, new technology, testing, enterprise and technology incubation; and measurable improvements in business competitiveness.

How to Access the 10 Bridges Approach

The product is available from the Sibley Consortium through the General Business Trade and Investment II (GBTI II) indefinite quantity contract (IQC). A brief written request through the Mission or Regional Contracting Officer is all that is required by the fast-track procurement process set up by USAID to provide easy access to small businesses. Contact Theresa Stoll, GBTI II CTO, or Mark Karns, Deputy CTO, for more details on the fast-track process available to small businesses under USAID procurement regulations.

What Does It Cost?

The approach is rolled out in three stages; 1) assessment, awareness and buy-in; 2) pilot programs; and 3) mainstreaming. The first stage can be completed within 2 months, requiring 2 person-months of short-term consulting effort and 2 person-months of local personnel time for $50,000 to $150,000. The first stage defines the scope and content of the pilot programs, which are typically developed to generate measurable results within 6 to 12 months.

USAID Contacts:

Theresa Stoll
CTO GBTI II EGAT/EG
Tel: (202) 712-0924
Fax: (202) 216-3025
stoll@usaid.gov

Mark H. Karns, CFA
658427
Structured Finance Advisor
EGAT/ED/EDFM
Tel: (202) 712-5516
Fax: (202) 216-3025
mkarns@usaid.gov


Sibley Consortium Contacts:

Robert Rourke
Project Manager GBTI II
Tel: (202) 833-9588
Fax: (202) 775-9416
gbti@sibleyinternational.com

Donna Sibley
President
Tel: (202) 833-9588
Fax: (202) 775-9416
dsibley@sileyinternational.com