Early Pitfalls

Be prepared for “We are already doing that”

As you begin to develop your state sector strategy, you may hear from other state systems that they are already using a sector approach. It is often the case that public education and training systems mistake their use of industry advisors for sector initiatives, missing the key element of active partnerships with employers and other stakeholders. Your response to state level partners can be something like this:

“A state level sector strategy that coordinates the sector-focused activities of multiple systems will reduce duplication, close service gaps and make better use of public dollars overall. It will also make it easier for local areas to partner to better serve the needs of industry and workers."

Be prepared for “We just need more funding”

You will hear from regional system leaders that additional funding is all their programs need to adequately meet industry and worker needs. This may be true to some extent, but if you have mapped and studied the initiatives in your state as a first step, you can respond with the following points:

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  State sector strategies will “add value” to local initiatives (not discard or re-invent them) by better coordinating funding streams and policies that affect their work;

• Sector partnerships at the local level can leverage millions of dollars from public and private stakeholders.

Be prepared for “We tried that and it didn’t work”

At the state level and local level you may hear this well-used excuse. Be prepared to explain (repeatedly if necessary) why the “sector partnership” approach is different. Chances are they may have been missing something important the last time around – a key partner? A neutral convener? Engaged employers? A clear focus on one industry? State support?

Use the growing body of evidence for sector partnerships to make your case. And remember that finesse, relationship building, and engagement are critical to effectively working through these issues with state partners as well as regional personnel.