Apprenticeship, Placement, and Standard Occupational Code Coordinator (APSOC Coordinator)

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

Job Responsibilities

Advise Students and Manage Retention, Completion, and Placement Processes and Data for Trails and Trades Students

In partnership with the Workforce Advisor, provide the following

Student Advising and Support

• Provide personalized guidance to students in the Bike, Trails, Construction, and Trades programs, helping them align their academic and career goals with program requirements.
• Develop and maintain advising resources, such as checklists and career pathways, to support students' progress and decision-making.

Retention Strategies

• Design and implement strategies to improve student retention, such as regular check-ins, workshops, and mentorship programs.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify and address barriers to student success, including academic, personal, or financial challenges.

Data Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student enrollment, retention, completion rates, and placement outcomes using college systems and databases.
• Regularly analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement, presenting findings to leadership and recommending actionable strategies.

Completion Coordination

• Track student progress toward program completion, ensuring all requirements are met, such as coursework, certifications, and apprenticeship hours.
• Help organize events or communications to celebrate and acknowledge student completions, such as graduation ceremonies or recognition programs.

Placement Assistance

• Develop and maintain relationships with industry partners to identify internship, apprenticeship, and job placement opportunities for students and alumni.
• Provide career services support, including resume reviews, interview preparation, and job search assistance, tailored to the trades and outdoor recreation industries.

Program Promotion and Engagement

• Help host events, such as open houses and employer panels, to connect students with career opportunities and industry professionals.
• Help create materials and campaigns to raise awareness about program benefits and success stories among students and stakeholders.

Lead, Coordinate, Implement, Assess, and Report on the following processes according the Department of Labor requirements for establishing a new SOC

As the timeline to establish a new standard occupational code (SOC) can vary depending on a number of factors, and as the process can take several months to a year or more to complete, here are some of the key steps this coordinator will oversee in establishing a new SOC

Lead Research Efforts

• Conduct in-depth research to gather comprehensive data on the occupation, including job duties, work environment, required education and training, skills, abilities, salary ranges, and job outlook.
• Organize and present findings in a clear and actionable format for Department of Labor (DOL) review.

Coordinate Data Review and Analysis

• Facilitate the collection, compilation, and interpretation of relevant data for occupational classification.
• Collaborate with industry experts and stakeholders to ensure data accuracy and relevance.
• Analyze survey and other data sources, providing recommendations based on findings.

Draft and Review SOC Materials

• Develop initial drafts of SOC code proposals, including detailed occupation descriptions, duties, responsibilities, and training requirements.
• Manage iterative review processes, incorporating feedback from DOL and other stakeholders.

Manage the Public Comment Process

• Coordinate outreach efforts to inform stakeholders of the public comment period.
• Collect, organize, and summarize feedback received during the public comment phase.
• Present stakeholder input to decision-makers, ensuring transparency and adherence to DOL standards.

Oversee Final Approval and Implementation

• Synthesize data and public feedback into final recommendations for SOC code approval.
• Prepare detailed reports documenting the entire process, ensuring compliance with DOL requirements.
• Support the integration of the new SOC code into the SOC system, maintaining records of all associated materials and decisions.

Monitor Project Timelines

• Develop and manage timelines for each phase of the SOC establishment process, ensuring all milestones are met.
• Regularly assess progress, address potential delays, and adjust plans as necessary to meet DOL deadlines.

Facilitate Communication and Reporting

• Act as a liaison between the DOL, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
• Provide periodic updates to leadership and stakeholders on progress, challenges, and next steps.
• Prepare and deliver comprehensive reports summarizing the process and outcomes.

Work with current and future apprenticeship programs and NWACC's Director of Trades and Apprenticeships to accomplish the following

• Assist in administering Western Arkansas apprenticeship programs (WAAP), including anything needed in recruitment, selection, training, and assessment of apprentices.
• Develop and/or assist with implementation of apprenticeship policies for any trails, cycling, or outdoor apprenticeships, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Manage the scheduling and delivery of training sessions for cycling and trades apprentices, ensuring that all processes are following SOC codes.
• Maintain accurate records of apprenticeship program activities and progress, including training, assessments, and certifications.
• Develop and implement strategies for promoting apprenticeship programs and increasing awareness of their benefits.
• Stay up-to-date with changes to SOC codes and other DOL and state regulatory requirements to ensure that the Western Arkansas apprenticeship programs and Trails and Trades programs are complying.
• Participate in industry events and conferences to stay informed about emerging trends and best practices in apprenticeship programs, as well as to present and promote Apprenticeship Programs at NWACC.

Rate of Pay $47,500 annually

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Some knowledge of federal and state regulations governing higher education as well as apprenticeship programs and Standard Occupational Codes (SOC) is preferred. In the absence of this specific knowledge, an appetite for quickly learning new fields and processes should be evident.
• Understanding of current trends and future directions in outdoor recreation and construction trades industries. In the absence of this specific knowledge, an appetite for quickly learning new fields and processes should be evident.
• Knowledge of credit, Non-Credit, and apprenticeship program structures, including recruitment, training, retention, and placement practices. In the absence of this specific knowledge, an appetite for quickly learning new fields and processes should be evident.
• Some familiarity with data collection, statistical analysis, and reporting techniques for program assessment and compliance.
• Some understanding of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) and SOC code requirements. In the absence of this specific knowledge, an appetite for quickly learning new fields and processes should be evident.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and execute complex projects on time, (such as establishing a new SOC code on behalf of an entire industry).
• Proficiency in conducting occupational research and compiling actionable insights from data.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to draft SOC proposals and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement Experience in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with industry partners, government agencies, and academic institutions.
• Skilled in creatively addressing challenges and developing solutions that align with program goals and regulatory requirements.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel) and familiarity with software for data analysis and presentation.
• Event Coordination Ability to organize and manage industry related events effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with competing priorities.
• Exceptional precision in maintaining records, drafting proposals and reports, and monitoring compliance with multiple stakeholder guidelines.
• Ability to engage and motivate students, apprentices, and colleagues with enthusiasm and empathy.
• Capability to innovate and strategize for developing innovation, such as new apprenticeship programs, industry partnerships, and national SOC code.
• Confidence in guiding cross-functional teams and mentoring students through the higher education, apprenticeship, and/or placement process.
• Sensitivity to diverse student populations and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:
Frequently:
* Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
* Sitting
* Standing
* Walking

Constantly
* Hearing
* Repetitive motion
* Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions

The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, human resources, or a related field. Higher degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing apprenticeship programs or related experience in a customer service, advising, and/or human resources capacity.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with people at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of federal and state regulations related to apprenticeship programs and SOC codes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software applications, specifically Excel.
• Evidence of working collaboratively with industry partners on shared goals and metrics.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.