April 28, 2023 9:30 a.m.

Umpqua Community College and the Roseburg School District have announced plans to align job-training programs for students through a new joint staff position.

A release from both organizations said the P-20 Pathways innovator will ensure that educational programs’ pathways, especially in technical trades, manufacturing and healthcare fields are clear, and that there is a seamless transition from high school to college to a high-skill, high wage job. The position will be jointly paid for, 50 percent by the college, 50 percent by the school district. This will be done using resources most efficiently and creating greater collaboration between the two institutions.

Superintendent Jared Cordon said, “Our goal is to create a system that sets students on clear educational pathways that prepare them for gainful employment in these high-demand career fields”.

The release said currently Roseburg High School offers nine career and technical education programs, such as welding, manufacturing, healthcare occupations, automotive technology, agriculture and natural resources. Programs such as welding, manufacturing and healthcare occupations align with curriculum or offer dual credits with the job-skill programs at UCC. The goal will be to further align and build these pathways to expand opportunities for students.

UCC President Dr. Rachel Pokrandt said, “Young people need some post-secondary education and training in order to secure a job that pays a decent wage, but not all high school and community college students have the desire or resources to attend a four-year university”.  Pokrandt said, “Our local employers need workers and our community loves retaining its talented youth. We believe this partnership will serve both of these goals”.

The release said the district and college hope to have the position filled by the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.