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    Career and Technical Education

    Local Advisory Committees and Occupational Advisory Committees Comparison

    Local Advisory Committee (LAC)

    Responsible Party:

    The school district’s administrative team, which can include principals and superintendents.

    Members:

    This group should be made up of local business and industry (B&I) leaders. Membership should consist of business and industry representatives (not limited to agriculture), public sector employers, labor organizations, community organizations, postsecondary institutions, and the public.

    Meeting Requirements:

    Minimum of one (1) meeting per school year.

    Purpose:

    This group meets to discuss the current state of all local industries, not just related to the school’s current CIP codes. It also helps define the needs of the local district’s workforce.

    Specific topics to be addressed:

    • General philosophy
    • New businesses and technologies that are emerging or starting in the area (which may lead to new programs being implemented at the school)
    • Academic and other standards
    • Course offerings
    • Support services
    • Skills needs of employers

    Occupational Advisory Committee (OAC)

    Responsible Party:

    The CTE Director, department chair, and program instructor.

    Members:

    This group should be made up of local B&I representatives specific to the CIP code. Majority (over 50%) of the membership must be business employers, supervisors, and employees in the occupation for which the instruction is being provided.

    Meeting Requirements:

    Minimum of two (2) meetings per school year for each CIP. (Fall, Spring)

    Purpose:

    This group meets to discuss the local opportunities for students in their program’s CIP codes.

    Specific topics to be covered:

    • Curriculum, skills, and task grid
    • Equipment
    • Industry needs
    • Facility equipment
    • Safety requirements
    • Industry certifications
    • Program evaluation

    Local Advisory Committee and Occupational Advisory Committee

    FAQs

    • Why do we need an LAC and OAC? These committees provide guidance to the school to ensure that students are being prepared for local careers and opportunities.
    • Do I need both an LAC and OAC? Yes. Each committee has specific tasks. The LAC focuses on the “big picture” of industry in the area, while the OAC focuses on reviewing and improving program specific information to ensure industry standards are met.
    • Can school personnel be on the LAC and OAC? School personnel may be LAC and OAC members; however, the facilitator should be a member of local business or industry. At least 50% of the committee must be from B&I.
    • We don’t have an LAC/OAC, what should we do? An approved program must have both an LAC and an OAC. The administrative team must form an LAC and conduct a meeting. Once this meeting occurs and the program is recognized as a local need, the lead instructor must form an OAC and conduct a meeting to discuss topics.