Workforce Innovations

DOL-Sponsored Study Highlights NOVA's Success

NOVA, the Workforce Investment Board serving Northern Santa Clara County, has been selected for its outstanding performance by the National Business Learning Partnership (NBLP), a collaborative of Workforce Investment Boards, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Business Relations Group. NBLP's mission is to "facilitate the transition to a demand-driven system, accelerate improvements and encourage innovation."

In an effort to promote business-oriented workforce systems, NBLP undertook a study, "Learning to Be Demand Driven: A Case Study of NOVA," that shows how NOVA met the challenge of responding to both business and employees. NOVA was one of four workforce boards chosen for in-depth study with the intent of improving workforce service delivery throughout the country, by inspiring similar agencies as they confront challenges of their own.

For example, one challenge such programs typically face is meeting regional needs. How NOVA accomplishes this demonstrates the importance of considering community characteristics, skill shortages, ethnic mix, commutes to work, and educational opportunities. All of these are factors that add complexity to the task of integrating an agency into a region. The lesson here is that it's more than just serving a community that makes a program effective; it's becoming part of the community through partnerships and local participation that results in success.

In the words of the author, San Jose State University anthropologist Charles N. Darrah, PhD, this NOVA case study is intended to compel similar agencies to question their assumptions about their regions, their workforce needs and how they meet those needs. Dr. Darrah reminds readers that becoming a demand driven workforce system is a "process that never really ends."

This case study may be viewed online at http://www.novapic.org/whats_new/or you may call us at 408-730-7830 to mail you a copy of the study. Remember: NOVA is here to serve business! Call us at 408-730-7830 for assistance with staffing, employee training or information on business compliance issues.