Fort Wayne Campus

The Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) is a proven employer engagement model created by the National Convergence Technology Center. It fosters collaboration between colleges and industry leaders, ensuring that educational programs are aligned with the rapidly changing demands of the workforce. BILT enables employers to work alongside faculty members to shape curriculum, ensuring students gain the skills needed to succeed in their careers.

While traditional committees typically meet twice per year, have limited employer involvement, and do not actively consider future labor market needs, BILT engages regional employers in co-leadership roles, allowing them to work directly with faculty to develop and update course content. Employers share their knowledge of the skills and competencies needed for the workforce 12 to 36 months into the future, ensuring that students are being prepared for upcoming industry trends and demands. This deeper level of engagement significantly enhances the quality and relevance of academic programs, making students better equipped for the workforce.

The BILT Advisory Council is a unique partnership where employers and faculty collaborate as "co-leaders" in shaping educational programs. Faculty members remain experts in curriculum development, while employers provide critical input on the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) needed in today’s workforce. This dynamic partnership ensures that academic programs stay relevant and meet the evolving demands of employers.

Time Commitment: BILT members typically dedicate 5-6 hours per year.

Meetings: There are 3-4 meetings per year, depending on the industry sector.

• KSA Validation Meeting (Hybrid Format): This annual meeting focuses on validating and prioritizing KSAs to ensure the curriculum stays up-to-date.
• Virtual Feedback Meeting: After the KSA meeting, faculty members will share feedback with employers on which KSAs have been integrated into the curriculum and provide explanations for any not included.
• Industry Trends & Networking Meetings: The remaining meetings (hybrid or virtual) focus on industry trends, program updates, and provide networking opportunities.

We are seeking a diverse group of industry professionals, including employers, technical executives, hiring managers, and technicians, to join the BILT and help guide the future of our programs. Your expertise will be invaluable in ensuring that our curriculum meets the needs of both current and future workforces.

Ideal BILT Members Include:

• High-level executives with strategic insights
• First-line hiring managers who understand entry-level skill requirements
• HR leaders with expertise in workforce trends
• Technicians with hands-on industry experience

• Shape the Future of Education: Influence the design of academic programs to ensure students are equipped with the skills they need to be workforce-ready.
• Collaborate with Faculty: Work closely with educators to guide the future of workforce development and curriculum design.
• Stay Ahead of Industry Trends: Stay up-to-date with industry advancements and network with fellow professionals.
• Contribute to Curriculum Development: Help ensure that academic programs are aligned with the latest KSAs needed in your industry.
• Create a Talent Pipeline: Strengthen connections between employers and educational institutions to develop a well-trained, job-ready workforce.