NEW PROGRAM NEEDS ANALYSIS
Economic changes, new developments in business and industry, and employment opportunities
may suggest possibilities for new occupational programs. The stimulus to consider the
development of new programs can come from numerous sources including students, faculty,
advisory committees, the private sector and other community interests. In addition to articulating
how a new program will support M-DCC's mission and vision, it is important to collect and
analyze data.
The elements of a needs analysis include:
1. Establish a need for the proposed program
Address the need and rationale for the establishment of the program. The description
should include an assessment of workforce demand as well as occupational titles and
employment opportunities. Appropriate needs assessment documentation must include
data obtained from the State of Florida Labor Market Statistics (see attached web site
list) and may include surveys of local employers. Survey documentation should include:
a. The survey instrument
b. Target population
c. Description of sample
d. Number and name of businesses involved in the sample
e. Employment opportunities by job titles including:
1. Number of job openings (due to growth)
2. Salary for these employees
2. Projected Student and Graduate Data
Provide an explanation of potential and identified sources of students for the program.
Documentation should demonstrate sufficient student interest to support the program and
may include surveys of current students and related program majors, secondary
students, as well as employees seeking advanced training. The data should include
projected student enrollment and a projection of the number of graduates for the first five
years of the program.
3. Communication with Business and Industry
Surveys/focus groups should be conducted with local businesses, advisory/planning
committees and other workforce training sources such as the Beacon Council or
Chambers of Commerce. Community resources should be identified.