The conception of the Workforce Development Unit can be viewed in two parts; first, as a response to a labour market survey which indicated a critical need for training and certification of the Jamaican workforce and secondly, the vision of the principal of Excelsior Community College who wanted to assist Jamaica to realize its Vision 2030 Strategic Development Goals centred around the notion of making Jamaica the place to live, work and raise families. The Workforce Development Unit is entrenched in the realization of the first national goal which is to empower Jamaicans to achieve their fullest potential by providing world class education and training. This education and training is embedded in the upskilling and retooling of Jamaicans who are working in various roles within their organizations, however, are not qualified for these positions. Other goals of the unit include improving graduate quality and improving students’ performance, enrollment and retention through the strategic monitoring tool which consistently tracks students’ performance. These goals are in keeping with the strategic goals of the institution.

Programme/service line/advantage of Unit:

• Its unique ability to work across all departments of the college as it markets the product offerings of Excelsior Community College to the Jamaican Labour Market.
• Tailor product offerings according to the demands of the companies’ needs.
• Monitor and track students’ performance throughout their tenure.
• Develop training and certification partnerships locally with the view of providing funding opportunities that will alleviate poverty, crime, and violence (the Community Based initiative programmes).