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Patchwork Intermediation: Challenges and Opportunities for Regionally Coordinated Workforce Development

Author

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  • Nichola Lowe

    (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, nlowe@unc.edu)

  • Harvey Goldstein

    (MODUL University, Vienna, Austria)

  • Mary Donegan

    (University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA)

Abstract

Workforce intermediation has emerged as a potential tool for guiding labor market adjustment. This article presents an empirical test of workforce intermediation through a study of community colleges in North Carolina. It demonstrates the positive contribution of intermediary colleges in increasing access to jobs in the pharmaceutical and bioprocessing industries. It also considers the limits of this strategy when adopted by only a subset of colleges within a larger labor market region and, specifically, the challenges this creates for forging strong relationships with employers outside the jurisdictional boundaries of individual colleges. The authors conclude by considering policy options for extending the reach of intermediation across the regional labor market through greater intercollege coordination. The authors argue that coordination efforts in North Carolina, although still in their infancy, hold considerable promise for other college systems that are looking to position themselves as institutional leaders in intermediation.

Suggested Citation

  • Nichola Lowe & Harvey Goldstein & Mary Donegan, 2011. "Patchwork Intermediation: Challenges and Opportunities for Regionally Coordinated Workforce Development," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 25(2), pages 158-171, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:25:y:2011:i:2:p:158-171
    DOI: 10.1177/0891242410383413
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jamie Peck & Nik Theodore, 2007. "Flexible recession: the temporary staffing industry and mediated work in the United States," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 31(2), pages 171-192, March.
    2. Chris Benner, 2003. "Labour Flexibility and Regional Development: The Role of Labour Market Intermediaries," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 37(6-7), pages 621-633.
    3. Paul Osterman & Rosemary Batt, 1993. "Employer-centered training for international competitiveness: Lessons from state programs," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 12(3), pages 456-477.
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    Cited by:

    1. Holland, Brian, 2018. "Defining and Measuring Workforce Development in the United States in a Post-Bipartisan Era," GLO Discussion Paper Series 234, Global Labor Organization (GLO).

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